Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: eastie on March 29, 2013, 07:53:45 AM
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By James Nursey | 28/03/13
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is ready to offer Stiliyan Petrov a coaching role when the stricken star's contract expires this summer.
Football went into shock a year ago when Bulgarian midfielder Petrov, 33, was diagnosed with acute leukaemia.
The popular ace is in remission, but is still undergoing chemotherapy.
Lambert kept Petrov as the Villans' club captain this season but his £55,000-a-week contract runs out in a few months.
MirrorSport understands Petrov has told friends he has no plans to resume his playing career and is effectively retired.
But Lambert knows Petrov well from their spell together at Celtic and said: "I am always in contact with him.
"I was round seeing him in the house recently, for dinner with his wife.
"I don't think many people realise what he has went through and the way he has battled strongly. He is doing great. I am delighted for him - he is a really close friend of mine from when we played up the road at Celtic.
"Hopefully it is not too long before he comes out of this stage. As I have said before he has been a big loss to this club.
"I don't think he could do the stressful job of being a manager. I think he would maybe like to coach younger kids or something.
"He was a great player and could give great advice to everyone.
"Nearer the time I will speak with him, we will have to see how he feels. But the main thing is he recovers fully from a horrible illness."
Villa host Liverpool on Sunday and Lambert has Fabian Delph back from suspension, while Darren Bent, Nathan Baker and Karim El Ahmadi are all fit.
Bent has not played since February 10 as a sub against West Ham after injuring his foot in practice.
Lambert added: "Benty's back training. He had a little flu bug there for the last few days but I think he's OK.
"He trained Wednesday morning, so he's back. He got a kick - one of the lads caught his foot. It was a bit tender to kick the ball but it could have been worse, he's OK now."
Bent is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench against Liverpool on Sunday.
Villa have won their last two games and confidence is high. They are now looking to drag clubs above them into the relegation battle.
Lambert added: "We have been round and about there all season so we are handling the pressure of it and it is not new for them.
"They know what they have to try and do. When you start winning games you pull other teams into it who will feel edgy."
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Great news I would love him to be part of our coaching set up.
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The very least the club can do for him.
Very good news.
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The very least the club can do for him.
Very good news.
Yes it would be a nice touch from the club. It sounds like he's doing well though which is the main thing.
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The very least the club can do for him.
Very good news.
Yes it would be a nice touch from the club. It sounds like he's doing well though which is the main thing.
Few better role models in the game than stan - a great player and really nice bloke too- he could be an inspiration to our younger players .
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The very least the club can do for him.
Very good news.
Yes it would be a nice touch from the club. It sounds like he's doing well though which is the main thing.
Few better role models in the game than stan - a great player and really nice bloke too- he could be an inspiration to our younger players .
Certainly would be an inspiration to the kids.....could prove to be a very clever move by Villa. I would love to see it come to fruition.
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I hope he thrives in a coaching role for Villa. An inspirational player, nay, an inspirational man.
Are there any rules governing squad numbers that anyone is aware of? Would we be able to retire number 19? I don't imagine anyone would want to step into that shirt after the iconic status it's gained at Villa Park over the last year.
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I hope he thrives in a coaching role for Villa. An inspirational player, nay, an inspirational man.
Are there any rules governing squad numbers that anyone is aware of? Would we be able to retire number 19? I don't imagine anyone would want to step into that shirt after the iconic status it's gained at Villa Park over the last year.
I think retiring the number 19 shirt is a good idea and see no reason why we couldn't do that .
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It would be nice to think he still had some sort of role at the club but I think it's a case of one step at a time. Get himself well again and then assess his options and what is best for him and his family.
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The very least the club can do for him.
Very good news.
It's not the very least they can do - to give someone what would effectively be a job for as long as he wants it is above and beyond. The very least would be a lot less than they've already done.
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It would be nice to think he still had some sort of role at the club but I think it's a case of one step at a time. Get himself well again and then assess his options and what is best for him and his family.
Absoutley.
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Sounds like they are genuine mates too-another good sign. Clubs should always be prepared to 'look after their own' whatever the circumstances and I am sure like people have said, Stan will have a lot to offer if this is what he wants.
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I hope he turns out to be a worth while coach.
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Man City retired Marc Vivien Foe's number 22 shirt after his sudden death a few years ago so there's certainly nothing to say we couldn't retire Stan's shirt. Whether it's something he would like us to do is another matter.
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There's nothing to suggest that he will be a coach or even any good at it. So far we have wanted Delaney, Laursen, and now Petrov to be given coaching jobs. Sorry, but he has to earn it - we're not a charity. And as for retiring his shirt? Again, sorry, but no.
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There's nothing to suggest that he will be a coach or even any good at it. So far we have wanted Delaney, Laursen, and now Petrov to be given coaching jobs. Sorry, but he has to earn it - we're not a charity. And as for retiring his shirt? Again, sorry, but no.
I agree totally.
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The very least the club can do for him.
Very good news.
It's not the very least they can do - to give someone what would effectively be a job for as long as he wants it is above and beyond. The very least would be a lot less than they've already done.
Agreed; the club owe him nothing.
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The very least the club can do for him.
Very good news.
It's not the very least they can do - to give someone what would effectively be a job for as long as he wants it is above and beyond. The very least would be a lot less than they've already done.
Agreed; the club owe him nothing.
Like Chris said earlier, just getting him back to full health is first on the agenda.
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I hope he turns out to be a worth while coach.
Odds are he would be very good.
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My kids call me heartless but come on retire his shirt? Get a feckin grip. Coaching job? He is nowhere near my top 10 midfielders I've seen down the Villa so coach them what exactly? We as fans and Aston Villa as a club have done everything right regarding Stan.
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As long as he's healthy enough and he wants the proposed job, I'm all for it.
Stan is a villa man so great to keep him in the club.
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There's nothing to suggest that he will be a coach or even any good at it. So far we have wanted Delaney, Laursen, and now Petrov to be given coaching jobs. Sorry, but he has to earn it - we're not a charity. And as for retiring his shirt? Again, sorry, but no.
Spot on.
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There's nothing to suggest that he will be a coach or even any good at it. So far we have wanted Delaney, Laursen, and now Petrov to be given coaching jobs. Sorry, but he has to earn it - we're not a charity. And as for retiring his shirt? Again, sorry, but no.
Delaney is involved with the academy isn't he?
It's not unusual for clubs to give old players a job, Bryan Robson has an ambassdor role at Man. United, Vieria was only at City for 18 months but he's got an admin job with them and Leonardo's popped up at PSG as a sporting director.
As Dave says most important Stan beats the illness and then decides what he wants to do.
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My kids call me heartless but come on retire his shirt? Get a feckin grip. Coaching job? He is nowhere near my top 10 midfielders I've seen down the Villa so coach them what exactly? We as fans and Aston Villa as a club have done everything right regarding Stan.
This attitude (the bold bit) is the main reason that coaching and management standards in English football are shit compared to a lot of other countries. How good or bad a player you are has very little effect on your abilities as a coach, they're completely different skill sets. If you have the technique to have played at any professional standard it's more than enough. Being able to inspire players with stories about how great you were works for some but isn't a requirement in any way.
If he wants to be a coach, gets his badges and is willing to put the work in to make the best of it (which I'm sure he would seeing as workshy is definitely not something you can say about him) then i'm all for giving him a years contract working in the youth setup and go from there.
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I hope he turns out to be a worth while coach.
Odds are he would be very good.
Based on what? So far the only evidence is that he's a nice guy and determined to beat a life-threatening illness,
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There's nothing to suggest that he will be a coach or even any good at it. So far we have wanted Delaney, Laursen, and now Petrov to be given coaching jobs. Sorry, but he has to earn it - we're not a charity. And as for retiring his shirt? Again, sorry, but no.
Spot on.
This
I presume these players are sensible enough to have purchased long term disability insurance?
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I hope he turns out to be a worth while coach.
Odds are he would be very good.
Based on what? So far the only evidence is that he's a nice guy and determined to beat a life-threatening illness,
Because he was very highly thought of in all parts of the club, was known to take an interest in every Villa team, from the kids to the first team, his style of captaincy was to lead by example, and as has been mentioned nobody could say he was workshy. These qualities seem to me to be the making of a good coach.
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I hope he turns out to be a worth while coach.
Odds are he would be very good.
Based on what? So far the only evidence is that he's a nice guy and determined to beat a life-threatening illness,
Because he was very highly thought of in all parts of the club, was known to take an interest in every Villa team, from the kids to the first team, his style of captaincy was to lead by example, and as has been mentioned nobody could say he was workshy. These qualities seem to me to be the making of a good coach.
You could say that about a lot of players, some of whom became good captains and most of whom didn't.
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As long as he's healthy enough and he wants the proposed job, I'm all for it.
Stan is a villa man so great to keep him in the club.
This for me.
Here's to the time the only thing we need to talk about him is if he is any good in his job for us, in exactly the same way as anybody else on the payroll.
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I seem to remember Solskjaer going straight into coaching at United, moving to Molde and winning a league title, leaving many of this forum falling over themselves to declare him our new manager.
Lambert probably sees something in Petrov as a coach, which wouldn't surprise me considering he was captain and similar attributes are needed, so let's reign in the criticism and not cast the move off as charity.
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I seem to remember Solskjær going straight into coaching at United, moving to Molde and winning a league title, leaving many of this forum falling over themselves to declare him our new manager.
Lambert probably sees something in Petrov as a coach, which wouldn't surprise me considering he was captain and similar attributes are needed, so let's reign in the criticism and not cast the move off as charity.
Has he got any badges?
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We don't need no steeenkin' badges.
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No. But coaching badges may be useful!
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Hopefully we can offer him a place on the payroll as that will mean his battle is over. I would rather He learned his trade here than anywhere else. Good luck!
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people get very caught up in the tactical side of management and coaching but there are many successful coaches who are successful because of their ability to get the extra 10-15% out of players, make them bleed for the shirt they are wearing. The ability to be a leader on the pitch surely transpires the ability to motivate from the sidelines....I would say that the mere fact our team went to pieces without Stan shows us that are out of the intimate circle of the first team squad, that they both looked up to him and followed him on the pitch.
By this reckoning Stan should make an excellent coach and would no doubt have an instantanious impact on our young and impressionable squad - im all for it.
Of course, by this reckoning John Terry would also make a great coach so there probably are other factors.....
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I seem to remember Solskjær going straight into coaching at United, moving to Molde and winning a league title, leaving many of this forum falling over themselves to declare him our new manager.
Lambert probably sees something in Petrov as a coach, which wouldn't surprise me considering he was captain and similar attributes are needed, so let's reign in the criticism and not cast the move off as charity.
Has he got any badges?
Was their reserve team manager for a bit. Think Brian McClair does that gig now.
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I seem to remember Solskjær going straight into coaching at United, moving to Molde and winning a league title, leaving many of this forum falling over themselves to declare him our new manager.
Lambert probably sees something in Petrov as a coach, which wouldn't surprise me considering he was captain and similar attributes are needed, so let's reign in the criticism and not cast the move off as charity.
Has he got any badges?
Was their reserve team manager for a bit. Think Brian McClair does that gig now.
I seem to recall reading he got his badges when he was about 26-27 and was bugging the staff at united to let him coach the kids for years. They let him have a couple of session with them and offered him the job as soon as he was ready to retire. I know there's a lot of press around him over here where they've been predicting him to be a top manager for a few years, it was taken as quite a coup for Molde to get him.
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The very least the club can do for him.
Very good news.
It's not the very least they can do - to give someone what would effectively be a job for as long as he wants it is above and beyond. The very least would be a lot less than they've already done.
Agreed; the club owe him nothing.
I agree, too.
The club, as far as we can tell, have done the right thing by him thus far, and I am sure he wouldn't want to be the recipient of charity.
If there's a genuine opening for Stan to do something on the coaching side, and he wants to, then I'd be as happy as the next man for it to happen, but he's got to put his long term health above anything else, which I am sure he will do.
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My kids call me heartless but come on retire his shirt? Get a feckin grip. Coaching job? He is nowhere near my top 10 midfielders I've seen down the Villa so coach them what exactly? We as fans and Aston Villa as a club have done everything right regarding Stan.
This attitude (the bold bit) is the main reason that coaching and management standards in English football are shit compared to a lot of other countries. How good or bad a player you are has very little effect on your abilities as a coach, they're completely different skill sets. If you have the technique to have played at any professional standard it's more than enough. Being able to inspire players with stories about how great you were works for some but isn't a requirement in any way.
If he wants to be a coach, gets his badges and is willing to put the work in to make the best of it (which I'm sure he would seeing as workshy is definitely not something you can say about him) then i'm all for giving him a years contract working in the youth setup and go from there.
I agree to a point. But experience counts for a lot. If you look at the best midfield coaches they invariably come a background of playing to a higher level. But that doesn't stop me with agreeing with your point.
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I hope he turns out to be a worth while coach.
Odds are he would be very good.
Based on what? So far the only evidence is that he's a nice guy and determined to beat a life-threatening illness,
I agree that he shouldn't automatically be offered a coaching role, and I don't think Lambert has really said that he would be. I have no idea whether he would be a good coach or not, only the people who have worked with him on a day to day basis will have any kind of insight into this. However, if coaches need to have footballing credentials, he has played in three different domestic leagues, and has captained Aston Villa as well as his national team - for whom he also holds the appearance record. My own personal opinion is that he is an intelligent, technical footballer. I also think that whilst there may have been better midfielders for Villa during my time watching us, the majority of the rest are either still playing, are TV pundits, or are already coaches. So I don't think its ridiculous to suggest that he might become a coach, its just not a fait accompli.
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I seem to remember Solskjær going straight into coaching at United, moving to Molde and winning a league title, leaving many of this forum falling over themselves to declare him our new manager.
Lambert probably sees something in Petrov as a coach, which wouldn't surprise me considering he was captain and similar attributes are needed, so let's reign in the criticism and not cast the move off as charity.
I was one of those. I Reckon solskjaer would have made a very good Manager for us. Still happy with lambert though, as I was when he got the job.
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If we gave a job to every good club servant because they are "Villa through and through" we'd have the biggest coaching team in world football. I can't speak for Petrov, but personally I'd have a bit too much self respect to take a job if I felt I was being given it out of charity or pity.
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I'm not comfortable with the way this thread is developing. It's only natural to look forward but he's still got a way to go before his suitability or otherwise becomes an issue. Last week I heard about a bloke I was in hospital with who suffered from the same condition as Stan. He'd been in remission but it had returned and there's now very little left for him in terms of available treatments.
Wait until he's clear of the illness, then we can speculate on his suitability as a coach.
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It was 1 year ago today that Stan was diagnosed with leukaemia. I don't give a stuff about a coaching job, just get well soon Stan.
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I'm not comfortable with the way this thread is developing. It's only natural to look forward but he's still got a way to go before his suitability or otherwise becomes an issue. Last week I heard about a bloke I was in hospital with who suffered from the same condition as Stan. He'd been in remission but it had returned and there's now very little left for him in terms of available treatments.
Wait until he's clear of the illness, then we can speculate on his suitability as a coach.
Agreed.
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I'm not comfortable with the way this thread is developing. It's only natural to look forward but he's still got a way to go before his suitability or otherwise becomes an issue. Last week I heard about a bloke I was in hospital with who suffered from the same condition as Stan. He'd been in remission but it had returned and there's now very little left for him in terms of available treatments.
Wait until he's clear of the illness, then we can speculate on his suitability as a coach.
Completely agree.
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Great to see he's on the mend.
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3147083,00.html
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Lots of dust flying around, getting in my eyes.
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3147083,00.html
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Great news.
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Its quite easy to be a bit blase during the 19th minute applause every game, and kind of just go through the motions.
And then you read the latest update on Stan's progress, and you remember why we do it and why should continue doing it.
Keep fighting skip.
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Its quite easy to be a bit blase during the 19th minute applause every game, and kind of just go through the motions.
And then you read the latest update on Stan's progress, and you remember why we do it and why should continue doing it.
Keep fighting skip.
And I'm sure Stan would be the first to say the 19th minute isn't anymore just about him but about all fighting against cancer. Many in the crowd will have been touched by the illness personally or through someone they know. And I agree entirely with Chris. I am sure the club would love Petrov at the club in some capacity but they will want him fully recovered first.
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Its quite easy to be a bit blase during the 19th minute applause every game, and kind of just go through the motions.
And then you read the latest update on Stan's progress, and you remember why we do it and why should continue doing it.
Keep fighting skip.
Could'nt agree more.
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Its quite easy to be a bit blase during the 19th minute applause every game, and kind of just go through the motions.
And then you read the latest update on Stan's progress, and you remember why we do it and why should continue doing it.
Keep fighting skip.
And I'm sure Stan would be the first to say the 19th minute isn't anymore just about him but about all fighting against cancer. Many in the crowd will have been touched by the illness personally or through someone they know. And I agree entirely with Chris. I am sure the club would love Petrov at the club in some capacity but they will want him fully recovered first.
Agree with all of the above.
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His story is on the main BBC Sport Football page as well
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22184198
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Echo what everyone else has said. Excellent news.
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Dust in the eye here too. A very moving, reflective interview but great to see he's in high spirits even though not fully recovered.
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We have a sandstorm over here. Both me and the Mrs have just watched the vid, and had leaky eyes.
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Am I the only one who refuses to hand out the No 19 shirt on Football Manager?
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It's great to read and so much of it struck a chord.
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Am I the only one who refuses to hand out the No 19 shirt on Football Manager?
Wonder if we will retire the shirt ?
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They wouldn't be a dry eye in the house when Stan walks onto the Villa Park pitch sometime in the future even if it's in a non playing capacity role.
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They wouldn't be a dry eye in the house when Stan walks onto the Villa Park pitch sometime in the future even if it's in a non playing capacity role.
True and i long for the day.
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Its quite easy to be a bit blase during the 19th minute applause every game, and kind of just go through the motions.
And then you read the latest update on Stan's progress, and you remember why we do it and why should continue doing it.
Keep fighting skip.
When you get the Fulham supporters, who sat down all through the match, rising to join in the clapping, it tells you how many people care about Stan. I think they are also showing solidarity and support for others who have terrible illnesses, in a kind of 'we're all in this together' way.
You look around as the season as gone on. They are clapping in the dugout, standing and clapping in the Directors Box, in fact they are all up for it.
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Its quite easy to be a bit blase during the 19th minute applause every game, and kind of just go through the motions.
And then you read the latest update on Stan's progress, and you remember why we do it and why should continue doing it.
Keep fighting skip.
When you get the Fulham supporters, who sat down all through the match, rising to join in the clapping, it tells you how many people care about Stan. I think they are also showing solidarity and support for others who have terrible illnesses, in a kind of 'we're all in this together' way.
You look around as the season as gone on. They are clapping in the dugout, standing and clapping in the Directors Box, in fact they are all up for it.
Yes , heart warming to see .
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Its quite easy to be a bit blase during the 19th minute applause every game, and kind of just go through the motions.
And then you read the latest update on Stan's progress, and you remember why we do it and why should continue doing it.
Keep fighting skip.
When you get the Fulham supporters, who sat down all through the match, rising to join in the clapping, it tells you how many people care about Stan. I think they are also showing solidarity and support for others who have terrible illnesses, in a kind of 'we're all in this together' way.
You look around as the season as gone on. They are clapping in the dugout, standing and clapping in the Directors Box, in fact they are all up for it.
Even a few visiting managers have been joining in
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I've had another article published, this time about Stan Petrov. Please take a look here:
"When you're in a relegation pickle like Aston Villa currently are, it's easy for that situation to become all-consuming. But there is a positive belief around the club that safety is in our own hands, and this spirit is paralleled with the continued good news about the recovery of our former captain, Stiliyan Petrov..."
Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/news/18-04-2013/positive-thinking-works-for-villa-and-petrov/826498#ixzz2Qp48QVRg
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Its quite easy to be a bit blase during the 19th minute applause every game, and kind of just go through the motions.
And then you read the latest update on Stan's progress, and you remember why we do it and why should continue doing it.
Keep fighting skip.
When you get the Fulham supporters, who sat down all through the match, rising to join in the clapping, it tells you how many people care about Stan. I think they are also showing solidarity and support for others who have terrible illnesses, in a kind of 'we're all in this together' way.
You look around as the season as gone on. They are clapping in the dugout, standing and clapping in the Directors Box, in fact they are all up for it.
Even a few visiting managers have been joining in
Remember Alan Pardew applauding during the 19th minute, fair play to him.
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I've had another article published, this time about Stan Petrov. Please take a look here:
"When you're in a relegation pickle like Aston Villa currently are, it's easy for that situation to become all-consuming. But there is a positive belief around the club that safety is in our own hands, and this spirit is paralleled with the continued good news about the recovery of our former captain, Stiliyan Petrov..."
Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/news/18-04-2013/positive-thinking-works-for-villa-and-petrov/826498#ixzz2Qp48QVRg
Former? He's still club captain.
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I've had another article published, this time about Stan Petrov. Please take a look here:
"When you're in a relegation pickle like Aston Villa currently are, it's easy for that situation to become all-consuming. But there is a positive belief around the club that safety is in our own hands, and this spirit is paralleled with the continued good news about the recovery of our former captain, Stiliyan Petrov..."
Read more: http://pickourteam.com/premierleague/news/18-04-2013/positive-thinking-works-for-villa-and-petrov/826498#ixzz2Qp48QVRg
Former? He's still club captain.
I do mention later in the article that he's club captain.
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Well written article Curio.
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Its quite easy to be a bit blase during the 19th minute applause every game, and kind of just go through the motions.
And then you read the latest update on Stan's progress, and you remember why we do it and why should continue doing it.
Keep fighting skip.
When you get the Fulham supporters, who sat down all through the match, rising to join in the clapping, it tells you how many people care about Stan. I think they are also showing solidarity and support for others who have terrible illnesses, in a kind of 'we're all in this together' way.
You look around as the season as gone on. They are clapping in the dugout, standing and clapping in the Directors Box, in fact they are all up for it.
Most of the away clubs have and it's been great to see. Fulham were fantastic. The Stripeyfilth down the road not bothering to give up 60 seconds of their time (esp their home game) just because it was a Villa player still leaves a bitter taste but i can't say i expected anyting less.
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Its quite easy to be a bit blase during the 19th minute applause every game, and kind of just go through the motions.
And then you read the latest update on Stan's progress, and you remember why we do it and why should continue doing it.
Keep fighting skip.
When you get the Fulham supporters, who sat down all through the match, rising to join in the clapping, it tells you how many people care about Stan. I think they are also showing solidarity and support for others who have terrible illnesses, in a kind of 'we're all in this together' way.
You look around as the season as gone on. They are clapping in the dugout, standing and clapping in the Directors Box, in fact they are all up for it.
Except for Man Utd...
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Its quite easy to be a bit blase during the 19th minute applause every game, and kind of just go through the motions.
And then you read the latest update on Stan's progress, and you remember why we do it and why should continue doing it.
Keep fighting skip.
When you get the Fulham supporters, who sat down all through the match, rising to join in the clapping, it tells you how many people care about Stan. I think they are also showing solidarity and support for others who have terrible illnesses, in a kind of 'we're all in this together' way.
You look around as the season as gone on. They are clapping in the dugout, standing and clapping in the Directors Box, in fact they are all up for it.
Most of the away clubs have and it's been great to see. Fulham were fantastic. The Stripeyfilth down the road not bothering to give up 60 seconds of their time (esp their home game) just because it was a Villa player still leaves a bitter taste but i can't say i expected anyting less.
Stripeys didn't bother me that they didn't clap, it bothered me the wankers booed it. Same as Ushited singing let him die, absolute scum
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Its quite easy to be a bit blase during the 19th minute applause every game, and kind of just go through the motions.
And then you read the latest update on Stan's progress, and you remember why we do it and why should continue doing it.
Keep fighting skip.
When you get the Fulham supporters, who sat down all through the match, rising to join in the clapping, it tells you how many people care about Stan. I think they are also showing solidarity and support for others who have terrible illnesses, in a kind of 'we're all in this together' way.
You look around as the season as gone on. They are clapping in the dugout, standing and clapping in the Directors Box, in fact they are all up for it.
Except for Man Utd...
What did you expect from those twats? Also the Albion shit. They are a bunch of fucking arseholes.
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Albion away was bad. Absolute wankers.
Anyway, the 19th minute has been a classy show all season. I was a little uncomfortable with it first few games (not sure why) but its quite inspiring now .
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The Stripeyfilth down the road not bothering to give up 60 seconds of their time (esp their home game) just because it was a Villa player still leaves a bitter taste but i can't say i expected anyting less.
Wasn't at The Yawnthorns but at VP just about the whole of their away support stood up and clapped, I was right next to them in Lower North.
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Spotted in a layby in South Tirol, Italy.
(http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/5953/stanwf.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/51/stanwf.jpg/)
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Blimey...I suspect Archie was involved, somehow.
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Celtic Park on its feet and applauding Petrov in the 19th minute plus a large banner for Stan.
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Celtic Park on its feet and applauding Petrov in the 19th minute plus a large banner for Stan.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/48001_621830484511180_1580959879_n.jpg)
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Nice touch from Celtic.
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Anyway, the 19th minute has been a classy show all season. I was a little uncomfortable with it first few games (not sure why) but its quite inspiring now .
Might have something to do with the 'no respect my lord' bollocks. Glad that nonsense has stopped
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Anyway, the 19th minute has been a classy show all season. I was a little uncomfortable with it first few games (not sure why) but its quite inspiring now .
Might have something to do with the 'no respect my lord' bollocks. Glad that nonsense has stopped
It was sung at Stoke briefly so it's still lingering.
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Just noticed that Henry Winter has tweeted this:
@henrywinter: Sad to see #mufc fanzine @RedIssue mocking #avfc fans' support for Stan Petrov. #supportstan
Had a browse to see what it was referring too, and they really are an even more dispicable bunch than I thought.
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Just noticed that Henry Winter has tweeted this:
@henrywinter: Sad to see #mufc fanzine @RedIssue mocking #avfc fans' support for Stan Petrov. #supportstan
Had a browse to see what it was referring too, and they really are an even more dispicable bunch than I thought.
Red Issue's been a disgrace since it started.
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I'm not even going to bother reading it.
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Checked their twitter,
Red Issue @RedIssue 1h
Muamba wibbling on as guest of honour at the PFA do on Sun almost made you wish he'd not made it. Maybe he'll improve with all the practice
Wow.
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Then loads of shit about Stan, horrible.
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Checked their twitter,
Red Issue @RedIssue 1h
Muamba wibbling on as guest of honour at the PFA do on Sun almost made you wish he'd not made it. Maybe he'll improve with all the practice
Wow.
Disgusting.
It's like they're going for shock value and then forgetting to even tie it into a joke of any kind.
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I wouldn't even wipe my arse with Red Issue.
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Checked their twitter,
Red Issue @RedIssue 1h
Muamba wibbling on as guest of honour at the PFA do on Sun almost made you wish he'd not made it. Maybe he'll improve with all the practice
Wow.
You despair of the human race sometimes.
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If you're going to try and be "edgy" or offensive, at least try and make it funny.
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Checked their twitter,
Red Issue @RedIssue 1h
Muamba wibbling on as guest of honour at the PFA do on Sun almost made you wish he'd not made it. Maybe he'll improve with all the practice
Wow.
I reckon I'll get a load of abuse for this but I've got to disagree here to be honest. What they're actually saying rings true. I'm not saying it's been worded appropriately (obviously they don't really wish he'd have died) I think they're just highlighting the way people responded to the Muamba incident and why he seems to be everywhere talking about what happened, which is fair enough in my opinion.
Not seen what they've said about Petrov though so can't comment.
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Checked their twitter,
Red Issue @RedIssue 1h
Muamba wibbling on as guest of honour at the PFA do on Sun almost made you wish he'd not made it. Maybe he'll improve with all the practice
Wow.
I reckon I'll get a load of abuse for this but I've got to disagree here to be honest. What they're actually saying rings true. I'm not saying it's been worded appropriately (obviously they don't really wish he'd have died) I think they're just highlighting the way people responded to the Muamba incident and why he seems to be everywhere talking about what happened, which is fair enough in my opinion.
Not seen what they've said about Petrov though so can't comment.
If you look back through their feed, you'll see why people are upset about it. They're not even trying to make a point, they're just jeering. Immature, insensitive c***s to a man.
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Checked their twitter,
Red Issue @RedIssue 1h
Muamba wibbling on as guest of honour at the PFA do on Sun almost made you wish he'd not made it. Maybe he'll improve with all the practice
Wow.
I reckon I'll get a load of abuse for this but I've got to disagree here to be honest. What they're actually saying rings true. I'm not saying it's been worded appropriately (obviously they don't really wish he'd have died) I think they're just highlighting the way people responded to the Muamba incident and why he seems to be everywhere talking about what happened, which is fair enough in my opinion.
Not seen what they've said about Petrov though so can't comment.
I bet they wished the players who perished in the Munich Air Disaster had lived to tell the tale.
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What a despicable waste of air that lot are.
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There are some fucking wankers around, best ignoring them rather than giving them the attention they crave.
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There are some fucking wankers around, best ignoring them rather than giving them the attention they crave.
Agreed chris!
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I'd like to think it's a 12 year old in his bedroom that writes that guff.
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There was a mix up with the postman not so long back and I had a copy of Red Issue delivered to me rather to my neighbour. I did the appropriate thing and took it round to his house and gave him absolute dogs abuse for being a glory hunting prick. He hasnt spoken to me since. Shame.
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Red Issue are just a bunch of wind up scumbags. There was a tweet today from another Man Utd Twitter account saying they are a complete disgrace....
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Red Issue are just a bunch of wind up scumbags. There was a tweet today from another Man Utd Twitter account saying they are a complete disgrace....
That's because its not the "Official Programme", unlike Mr Woodhall's publication :D
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I don't find somebody taking this piss out of somebody else's misfortune funny at all. Fucking filthy red scum shit kickers, all of them.
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Woe betide anyone not showing the correct amount of reverence to Munich, though, over half a century after it happened.
What a bunch of ******.
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How dare someone who nearly died on a football pitch present an prize at an awards ceremony. The person who wrote that probably raged about the injustice of Nani's sending off against Madrid for days afterwards.
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They really don't seem to know the difference between a legitimate target for satire and just general nastiness. Looking back through their posts shows that whoever has editorial control over their output shouldn't give up the day job.
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On the other side, really impressed with the Sunderland minutes applause, and even more so DiCanio's clapping. Almost made me sorry for the dogs abuse we gave him. Well, not really
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On the other side, really impressed with the Sunderland minutes applause, and even more so DiCanio's clapping. Almost made me sorry for the dogs abuse we gave him. Well, not really
I will never feel a twinge of sympathy for the man. He was doing what was right: nothing more, nothing less.
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On the other side, really impressed with the Sunderland minutes applause, and even more so DiCanio's clapping. Almost made me sorry for the dogs abuse we gave him. Well, not really
I will never feel a twinge of sympathy for the man. He was doing what was right: nothing more, nothing less.
Well yes, but it's not something he had to do and it suggests he has some compassion.
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Found this on youtube from Euro 2004 qualifier Bulgaria v Croatia, hope the link works. If this location is inappropriate please move to another thread.
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Would love to see Stan walk round the pitch with the rest of the players after the Chelsea game.
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Would love to see Stan walk round the pitch with the rest of the players after the Chelsea game.
I had the same thought the other day. It depends on where he is in his treatment regime.
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We will score during the 19th minute against Chelsea, to put us 3-0 up. ;D
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Stiliyan Petrov Day (http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-fans-declare-wigan-3473968)
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I wonder whether there would be any chance of Stan coming out onto the pitch at half time on Saturday?
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Would be nice
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I wonder whether there would be any chance of Stan coming out onto the pitch at half time on Saturday?
I'm filling up just thinking about it
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I'm led to believe it might happen, health permitting.
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If he's well enough he should lead the team out.
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I believe the NextGen u19s winning team will be parading the cup at half-time on Saturday.
Would be great if Stan could do the honours of presenting them with the cup before their victory lap.
The atmosphere for the second half would just rock Villa Park, especially after we go 5-0 up ;D!
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They will be. I also believe that the Villa Ladies will be parading their recently won League Cup.
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Has anyone noticed that when fans start clapping when 19 mins are on the clock it's actually the 20th minute? Just thought I'd mention it. Anyway, at what point does this end?
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After 60 seconds.
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I was on my way down to the Channel Tunnel this afternoon and I passed a Bulgarian Lorry, the tarp had Petrov's face on with 'Support Stan' in massive writing on the side, I would have clapped but I was doing a clip in the fast lane at the time!
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After 60 seconds.
Very good!
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Has anyone noticed that when fans start clapping when 19 mins are on the clock it's actually the 20th minute? Just thought I'd mention it. Anyway, at what point does this end?
Surely that's because it says '19' on the screen while we're clapping - don't think it matters that its actually the 20th minute does it?
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The Celtic fans clapped in what is technically the 19th minute but it feels right clapping when '19' is in sight.
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The Celtic fans clapped in what is technically the 19th minute but it feels right clapping when '19' is in sight.
Interesting on Saturday that the Norwich "end" generally joined in the applause but the old farts in the other stands just didn't! At all!
Twunts!
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No, probably not but I felt it was better off my conscience.
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I just bought one. XXL. I am a big mofo.
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Has anyone noticed that when fans start clapping when 19 mins are on the clock it's actually the 20th minute? Just thought I'd mention it. Anyway, at what point does this end?
Surely that's because it says '19' on the screen while we're clapping - don't think it matters that its actually the 20th minute does it?
The reason is I thought it was better for the minute to start when the match time was 19:00, for some daft reason I didn't like the idea of the clapping stopping when the clock reached 19. It was just easier to promote as the 19th minute considering we had less than 2 days before the Chelsea game. It was only meant to be for that one game but took on a life of its own.
And would be great to see Stan on Saturday, quite symbolic as mentioned it started with the Chelsea game last year.
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Stan's announced his retirement from football.
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Stan's announced his retirement from football.
I just read this, no great surprise really.
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http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3172465,00.html
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No surprise, but still gutting. Cheers Stan, keep on keeping on.
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Felt quite emotional reading that statement.
All the best for the future Stan
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It was pretty much inevitable. Was his present contract up this summer?
I hope and expect the club to continue supporting him though. He'd be great in some sort of ambassadorial role.
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Good luck to him. A good player and a gentleman in a sport that doesn't have too many of them.
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Dignified statement from a dignified man. I'm sure AVFC will do right by him!
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I seem to have some grit in my eye after reading that.
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Would absolutely love him to lead the team out for one last time on Saturday - if he is well enough .
It would be superb - for us and him.
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Matt Kendrick just tweeted Stan will lead the players and families out - AFTER the game.
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Matt Kendrick just tweeted Stan will lead the players and families out - AFTER the game.
That will be special, wish I was there for it.
Great man, very good player and excellent captain, always befitting of our great club. I hope his endeavors are fruitful now, and he lives a long, happy and enjoyable life from here. Good luck Stan.
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Class statement from a class man , good luck stan and thanks for 7 years at Aston Villa, enjoy rest of your life and hopefully is you want a role within the club over coming years.
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Good luck Stan, always welcome at Villa. I really hope you recover and lead a happy life with your wife and kids.
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Best of luck to Stan and I hope his association with Aston Villa continues with some role. Saturday will be quite a moment.
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Good timing of an unfortunately inevitable statement. We can now pay him the tribute he deserves on Saturday. I am pleased he has a cause he can focus on and am sure that the club and fans will support him with that.
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One of the things I hold dearest about Aston Villa is the way we conduct ourselves. I think it's actually more important than winning games and trophies.
Having players such as Stan at the club only reaffirms this faith.
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I would like to see him lead the team out before the game as well as after.
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All the best for the future stan,looking forward to giving you the send off you deserve on saturday
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I was really hoping he could be on the Subs bench, with a quiet word to the ref when there are just 30 seconds left. To bring him on with just a few seconds to go. Ah well, fantastic bloke good luck stan
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Leading everyone out at the start would be good, It's probably so he can say goodbye properly
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Having just read the full statement I'm sitting here with a tear in my eye, it certainly puts this season's trials and tribulations on the pitch into true perspective.
Good luck Stan, stay well.
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All the very best in the future Stan, Saturday will be a very sad day for football. Sit back, relax and we all wish you the very best with regards your family and the charity work.
Legend and a Gentleman.
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I was really hoping he could be on the Subs bench, with a quiet word to the ref when there are just 30 seconds left. To bring him on with just a few seconds to go. Ah well, fantastic bloke good luck stan
I thought this...would of been a very emotional moment for Stan, our amazing support and the club.
cheers Stan, sadly cannot be there on Saturday, but on the 19th minute will be there in spirit.
oh...and get a goal on the 19th minute will ya Villa !!
UTV
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To echo what others have said, reading the statement has brought a tear to my eye.
All I can say is thanks to Stan. I'm sure he'll carry on fighting and beat his illness once and for all, and hopefully when he's better, he may consider working for the club again in come capacity.
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Goood luck Stan. in a way its a relief that we have arrived here now and that we can all move on.
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Top bloke, great player. One of the good ones. One of the few left from the O Neill era who comes across as really down to Earth, hard working and likeable, and it's such a rarity on the top flight these days.
When he's fit enough, and if he wants to, there should be a coaching gig ready for Stan the man somewhere at the club. He'll have a lot of knowledge and wisdom to pass on, particularly about how to conduct yourself.
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One of the things I liked about Petrov was that in just about every game, he had one moment where he did something that made me think "wow" - an excellent pass or something.
It is horribly cruel that he should have to retire through this. I also can't help but think what an influence he'd have had on this young team this season, too.
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One of the things I liked about Petrov was that in just about every game, he had one moment where he did something that made me think "wow" - an excellent pass or something.
It is horribly cruel that he should have to retire through this. I also can't help but think what an influence he'd have had on this young team this season, too.
Yep, he was classy player. Once he finally got into the pace of this league he really shone. Also playing the deep role he did for most of O Neill's tenure, he really showed fantastic awareness. Stan would rarely go to ground unless he had to, but his ability to intercept the ball was top class. He read the game so well.
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I also can't help but think what an influence he'd have had on this young team this season, too.
He'll have had an influence. Perhaps not one you can easily see on the pitch, but he will have had one.
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One of the things I liked about Petrov was that in just about every game, he had one moment where he did something that made me think "wow" - an excellent pass or something.
It is horribly cruel that he should have to retire through this. I also can't help but think what an influence he'd have had on this young team this season, too.
Yep, he was classy player. Once he finally got into the pace of this league he really shone. Also playing the deep role he did for most of O Neill's tenure, he really showed fantastic awareness. Stan would rarely go to ground unless he had to, but his ability to intercept the ball was top class. He read the game so well.
It was nothing to do with adapting to the pace of the league, it was getting rid of the stupid Andrew Ridgeley style blonde highlights that made him shine!
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I also can't help but think what an influence he'd have had on this young team this season, too.
He'll have had an influence. Perhaps not one you can easily see on the pitch, but he will have had one.
Westwood would certainly have benefitted from playing alongside him and we would have been much stronger with those 2 together. Westy looks like a younger version to me.
Stan used to have his critics but for me he was the Lynchpin of O'Neill's team once Barry left. We looked totally lost whenever he wasn't available.
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Bought a tear to my eye too. He has been a model professional in his time with us, I hope one day he can return to the game, preferably with us, to help develop the youngsters. He has spoken of how difficult it was to focus on the important things when he first game to play in the UK, he could help the new breed see the pitfalls and he certainly knows how to play the game in the proper way. We would have fitted in perfectly with the current line up.
Good luck Stan with the very important work you are choosing to do.
I will miss the last game but will be there in spirit. Tissues at the ready folks Saturday.
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I hope in some way, in some honorary capacity, Stan's future links with the club can be formalised. He was a great player, he is a brilliant person and it may well be fitting for his future to be associated in some way with the club. It is easy for ex players, even the greatest ones, to drift into obscurity, no matter how well meaning everyone is at the point of departure.A means of making the link permanent , not onerous but easy, allows the player to feel properly remembered despite the passage of time and the change of administrations.
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Lovely statement from Stan ...I seem to be having problems with my contact lenses.
I briefly met Stan and his family who were all lovely and wish them all the best for the future. Its great to see such positivity coming from him and he puts in as much work (that guy didn't half sweat for the cause) as he did for us then he will be just as successful in his new venture.
I don't suppose we will see him at any point on Saturday will we?
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A statement typical of the man. Dignity, class, passion.
Thanks for everything Stan. You'll be remembered at Villa long after far more talented players have been forgotten.
Whatever you choose to do with your life, be happy and healthy.
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Best of luck, i truly hope that you will lead a full and happy life, and see your children grow up.
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The friggin' dust in this place !!
I echo the sentiment that he should lead the team out at the start of the match, can't pressure be exerted somewhere to make it happen ?
Very, Very best wishes skip....keep fighting.
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Of all the games I have been too, yea its only 25 or so, I would give them all up just to go Villa Park on Saturday.
You're a man of class, bravery and much much more Stan.
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Stan Petrov will lead the team out for their traditional lap of appreciation at the end of the Chelsea game.
It's a regular occurrence for the players to walk around the Villa Park pitch when the final whistle blows on the home campaign.
It will happen once again on Saturday but with Petrov at the front of the queue.
It will give Petrov a chance to thank fans for their remarkable levels of support since his diagnosis with leukaemia and supporters the opportunity to pay tribute their club captain.
Fans have clapped heartily on the 19th minute of every game since news of his illness came out.
And this, says Petrov, has been a major source of inspiration as he's fought a courageous battle.
Petrov said: "I want to thank the fans of Aston Villa, the fans of Celtic, the Bulgarian fans and fans of football all over the world who have helped me through the past year with their incredible displays of support and with their personal, moving messages.
"Also I would like to thank all of the managers I have worked under and all of the team-mates I have played alongside. I loved playing football with all of you and you will always remain in my heart.
"I am moving on and I am excited by this.
"There is a deep joy in my heart because of what you have shared with me, not only in this past year but over the years I have been in football. I felt privileged. I still do. I always will."
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I'm not in favour of Stan leading the post match lap.
I'd much prefer to see him lead the teams out before the game or preferably be presented on the pitch individually at half time.
I know that there have been some encouraging performances this season from the likes of Tekkers, Brad Jr, Matt, Andi and (lately) Gabby.
However, when taking the whole team over the whole season, I don't think that a post match "lap of appreciation" has been earned.
With my cynical/conspiracy head on, could having Stan lead the lap be a way of preventing what is politely called "a mixed reaction" from the crowd ?
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Having just read the full statement I'm sitting here with a tear in my eye, it certainly puts this season's trials and tribulations on the pitch into true perspective.
Good luck Stan, stay well.
I fully concur with this statement. The Sahara Desert sand cloud is certainly doing the rounds today.
It will be a very emotional moment at Villa Park on Saturday if Stan comes onto the pitch or just waves from the stands.
The support for Stan has been brilliant this year, with a great deal of it coming from our opponents and their fans.
Those who have not joined in have probably bowed to cowardly peer pressure, while feeling sympathy inwardly and I doubt if there are many in the world of football that don't feel great sadness at how this disease strikes people but still appreciate the hope that medical science has given us with treating it.
If football can be one vehicle for spreading the word then at least we can get the message across to more people.
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Hope we find a place for him in the coaching set up somewhere, I am sure Randy will help out with the foundation.
With regards to Saturday I think he should lead the team out. Also wouldn't it be a great gesture if the game was stopped in the 19th minute so fans, players and officials can join in the applause?
Two teams did it recently for a Croatian Goalkeeper who died, maybe someone should have a quiet word with both sets of players
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I forgot to add my best wishes to Stan and his family for the future and my appreciation for his years as a Villa stalwart.
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Just watched the video on the official site of his goals. He scored some crackers! it cheered me up a little bit.
I think goals wise he was probably having his best season last year.
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What a great bloke. Good luck, Stan.
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A statement typical of the man. Dignity, class, passion.
Thanks for everything Stan. You'll be remembered at Villa long after far more talented players have been forgotten.
Whatever you choose to do with your life, be happy and healthy.
This.
Dignity, class, passion - everything we love about our club summed up in one man's characteristics. He'll be missed.
Good luck, Stan. You did us proud.
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Never his biggest fan until I started to appreciate what he did in the middle of the field. I often thought is stopped the fluidity of play with going sideways a lot. I can't remember which game it was I watch him in and it changed my opinion of him completely. Once he found his role in the centre of the field he became such an important player for us. The way we've been this season shows how much we've missed him.
My brother came it with a nice idea about retiring the number 19 but still being able to buy the petrov shirt in the club shops. Thought that was a great idea. Until petrov junior signs for the villa
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Apparently there will be Petrov masks on all the Villa seats for the Wigan game.
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I also don't think it's enough that our retiring club captain should have to wait till the end of the game when the ground is half empty for the fans to show their appreciation. It should be before the game when there are 40,000+ there. I would also hope that both the Chelsea players and fans would want to do the same.
The best of luck to him anyway. Too often underrated in terms of his technical ability and leadership - it was only when he wasn't there that his value to the side was fully appreciated.
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Tweet from Pat Murphy this morning:
Stiliyan Petrov: Captain of the Nice Guys XI, Charming, approachable, impeccable manners. Should be charged with bringing the game into repute
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Using that this evening.
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You get two captains for the price of one in the season's final issue of the Villa News & Record.
Skipper Ron Vlaar is the man in focus in our exclusive player interview - after stepping aside for club skipper Stiliyan Petrov to write the captain's column.
Stiliyan, of course, was a regular columnist in the programme before being diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March 2012.
And following the announcement of his retirement, we felt it only right that he should say a personal farewell to Villa supporters.
The man popularly known as Stan also features on the front cover of the programme for the game against Chelsea, while inside we trace his career in words and pictures.
There's also a giant pull-out poster, with a photo of him celebrating a goal for Villa on one side and a number 19 on the other.
We're sure some supporters will want to hold aloft the poster during the 19th-minute applause for our club captain.
Concrete Ron, meanwhile, talks at length about his debut season in claret and blue and his delight at scoring his first Villa goal - as well as giving his own tribute to the "inspirational" Petrov.
We also salute Gabby Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke for the scoring exploits which have seen them become Premier League record-breakers for the club.
And another prolific marksman, Juan Pablo Angel, is the subject of the My Favourite Villan feature, with trainee journalist Tara Lamb offering a female perspective on the Colombian striker.
Then there are the regular contributions from manager Paul Lambert and former Villa star Stan Collymore, while we conclude our series on Villa's Premier League campaigns with a look back at last season.
We're sure our "Stan Special" is one you will want to keep, and at £3 it's a great souvenir of a special occasion.
For even better, look out for our five-for-a-five programme bags, which contain the Chelsea edition, three back issues and a Villa poster book - all for just £5.
Back issues from the Liverpool, Fulham and Sunderland games will also be on sale at the programme kiosks.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/stan2_zps63224382.jpg)
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Tweet from Pat Murphy this morning:
Stiliyan Petrov: Captain of the Nice Guys XI, Charming, approachable, impeccable manners. Should be charged with bringing the game into repute
I would add that he was a very decent player too.
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Tweet from Pat Murphy this morning:
Stiliyan Petrov: Captain of the Nice Guys XI, Charming, approachable, impeccable manners. Should be charged with bringing the game into repute
Very well said.
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I've wanted us to score in the 19th minute all season. We came desperately close with Benteke's offside finish at QPR, but what a great tribute it would be to do it this weekend.
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Best of luck, Stan. Here's hoping for a very long and happy retirement.
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Saturday is going to be so emotional, can't hold back the tears sitting here at work, think I'll be sobbing my heart out after the game.
God bless you Stan, and good luck.
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Will this bring the 19th minute applause to an end? My view would be that maybe we'll continue to sing his name on minute 19 every game, as we do now and hopefully the opposition fans will do the same without the 'no respect' stuff that's been thrown about this season?
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His statement was a humbling read. Whatever he decides to do in the future, i sincerely hope that he stays healthy.
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I emailed Paul Faulkner suggesting that Stan should lead the team out prior to the game and that the game should come to a halt for the 19th minute to allow players, staff and officials to join in the applause. I am sure that he won't mind me posting his response here.......
Thank you for your email. In terms of Saturday, as I am sure you would expect, we have discussed long and hard with Stiliyan and ultimately the decision as to what he wanted to do, and felt comfortable doing, was left up to him. We discussed the option of leading the team out, but being the true leader that he is, and a very selfless man, he didnt want to overshadow the team or the game, and asked instead just to be with the squad and his team-mates for the lap after the game, a request we would obviously respect. Im sure it will be a very emotional moment when he does step back out onto the Villa Park pitch, and everyone in the stadium will let him know just exactly what he does mean to the entire Villa family.
Regards,
Paul
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Glad that he's doing well, my sisters not very well at the moment and it helps seeing people winning these difficult battles. Under-appreciated as a player it's good to see him getting his due recognition as a great bloke.
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Glad that he's doing well, my sisters not very well at the moment and it helps seeing people winning these difficult battles. Under-appreciated as a player it's good to see him getting his due recognition as a great bloke.
Best wishes to your sister mate, I hope all goes well for her !
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Be great if we could score at the end of the 18th minute, the clap would lift the foundations
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Glad that he's doing well, my sisters not very well at the moment and it helps seeing people winning these difficult battles. Under-appreciated as a player it's good to see him getting his due recognition as a great bloke.
Best wishes to your sister mate, I hope all goes well for her !
Seconded.
I hope nobody makes the mistake of assuming that Villa's regard for Stan is based on us thinking that he is just a footballer who was struck by a terrible illness. He'd certainly won my heart as a player, captain and wonderful ambassador for the club long before that.
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Be great if we could score at the end of the 18th minute, the clap would lift the foundations
A 19th minute goal is certainly due.
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Yesterday R5 was at its worst, dealing with the retirement of the century. Today, they interviewed two women who'd gone through similar to Stan. What a contrast. Unlike the silly gits who yesterday claimed to be genuinely grieving, listening to those two women and reading the statement had me in tears.
Sort of strange the first home game after the announcement of Stan's disease was against Chelsea and we play them the next game after his retirement announcement.
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Best of luck Skip. Top bloke, I hope you stay well, and come back and see us from time to time!!
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I'm pleased that we're going to get the opportunity to say our farewells but I'm going to struggle to get through it on Saturday.
It's ridiculous I know, as cancer is so random in who it victimises, but because our illnesses were similar and almost contemporaneous I've felt a bond with what he is going through.
In a period when footballers are so often derided for their behaviour, throughout his time here he's always been a credit to himself, his family and the club. He'll be fondly remembered.
Best of luck for the future, Stan.
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I'm pleased that we're going to get the opportunity to say our farewells but I'm going to struggle to get through it on Saturday.
It's ridiculous I know, as cancer is so random in who it victimises, but because our illnesses were similar and almost contemporaneous I've felt a bond with what he is going through.
In a period when footballers are so often derided for their behaviour, throughout his time here he's always been a credit to himself, his family and the club. He'll be fondly remembered.
Best of luck for the future, Stan.
Touching words chris , I am pleased both stan and yourself have come through this and wish you both well for the future and the same goes to others suffering .
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Matt Kendrick just tweeted Stan will lead the players and families out - AFTER the game.
Will he be out at half time or pre game?
Got to meet someone in town after the game so not sure I can stay for the lap afterwards.
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Matt Kendrick just tweeted Stan will lead the players and families out - AFTER the game.
Will he be out at half time or pre game?
Got to meet someone in town after the game so not sure I can stay for the lap afterwards.
Looks like after the game only.
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Bravo Stylian Petrov, good luck, thank you and godspeed.
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Good interview, Boss. All the best Stan.
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What an emotional afternoon it is going to be - I am filling up just thinking about the 19 minute roar of appreciation.
There will be tears and we should be proud of that.
Great statement from a great man, pin it up in the dressing room Lambo.
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Gutted I can't make the last home game. Just hope they show it on MOTD or football first.
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I'm pleased that we're going to get the opportunity to say our farewells but I'm going to struggle to get through it on Saturday.
It's ridiculous I know, as cancer is so random in who it victimises, but because our illnesses were similar and almost contemporaneous I've felt a bond with what he is going through.
In a period when footballers are so often derided for their behaviour, throughout his time here he's always been a credit to himself, his family and the club. He'll be fondly remembered.
Best of luck for the future, Stan.
(http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/smileys-and-emoticons/applause/smileys-applause-242316.gif)
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I heard Dave W on radio traveling back was good to give petrov some air time after all the other stuff. Thanks for the words and agree that stan to be remembered and a continued part of club am sure he will in some capacity. I look forward to loudly applauding him Saturday. Outstanding courage he's shows in his battle. As a player he scored one of the best all time prem league goals against derby and always a positive player and role model.
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I think we can be proud of our Club, us the Fans, and other fans too for the way in which support has been given- but mostly of our Captain. He has handled it with incredible strength. I hope enough of us stay behind to show our appreciation and respect.
My young Son and I lost my Mrs. to Cancer.
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Sort of strange the first home game after the announcement of Stan's disease was against Chelsea and we play them the next game after his retirement announcement.
[/quote]
I thought so too Lizz. And Chelsea players and fans were top class that day - the players wearing support Stan t shirts and their fans joining in the 19th minute applause
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I think we can be proud of our Club, us the Fans, and other fans too for the way in which support has been given- but mostly of our Captain. He has handled it with incredible strength. I hope enough of us stay behind to show our appreciation and respect.
My young Son and I lost my Mrs. to Cancer.
Sorry to hear that simba, I hope Saturday is a great day to remember for all of us.
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Carlos Cuellar has paid a fulsome tribute to Stiliyan Petrov after the club captain announced his retirement from football.
Petrov, 33, has ended his playing career as he battles acute leukaemia, having been diagnosed in March 2012.
The cancer is in remission and the hugely-popular Bulgarian has announced he is setting up a foundation to help sufferers.
Sunderland defender Cuellar played alongside Petrov at Villa Park and says he's proud of what his former colleague has, and continues to, achieve.
"The news is hard, it is tough, but for me I prefer not to think anymore about Stan the player, I think about my friend, my brother and his health," he said.
"It is bad news that he has had to retire because football is what he loves, but the main thing is to win his personal battle against the cancer.
"I saw him recently and he looked better and well, which made me happy.
"He will be a big miss for football and for Aston Villa. He is a big character who loves jokes and he has been so important."
Cuellar added: "Stan has been a top player at the top level and shown everyone his quality.
"I am so proud of what he has achieved in football but I am prouder of what he is doing now because the battle is not easy."
In his statement released today, Petrov talks of his charity work as a "new challenge, one I will face with all the enthusiasm, energy and drive with which I have faced every single challenge."
And the Bulgarian's desire to help others comes as no surprise to Cuellar, who added: "Stan is a big inspiration and a good help for all those who are struggling with the same illness, the same battle in their lives.
"Famous people have more options to help people deal with things. I am so proud of Stan and the way he has approached and battled his illness."
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I emailed Paul Faulkner suggesting that Stan should lead the team out prior to the game and that the game should come to a halt for the 19th minute to allow players, staff and officials to join in the applause. I am sure that he won't mind me posting his response here.......
Thank you for your email. In terms of Saturday, as I am sure you would expect, we have discussed long and hard with Stiliyan and ultimately the decision as to what he wanted to do, and felt comfortable doing, was left up to him. We discussed the option of leading the team out, but being the true leader that he is, and a very selfless man, he didnt want to overshadow the team or the game, and asked instead just to be with the squad and his team-mates for the lap after the game, a request we would obviously respect. Im sure it will be a very emotional moment when he does step back out onto the Villa Park pitch, and everyone in the stadium will let him know just exactly what he does mean to the entire Villa family.
Regards,
Paul
I'm disappointed that its been decided to combine Stan's appearance with the "lap of appreciation". As I mentioned earlier, I don't think that given the team's overall performance this season and the still precarious league position, that such a lap is merited.
However, due to Stan's participation, I'll be there applauding with everyone else.
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As its a retirement through ill health, would Randy be getting a wedge from the clubs insurers?
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The lap is mainly for them to show their appreciation to us for our support. Bloody yokels not knowing stuff!
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I definitely think it's time to retire the 19th minute applause after Wigan too.
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I know I will be in bits in the 19th minute and also at the end of the game, my wife's brother Steven is terminally ill with bone cancer, he is a Villa nut and has remained upbeat despite his condition but it's been very difficult for all of us, god bless Stan, Steven and all cancer sufferers.
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Glad that he's doing well, my sisters not very well at the moment and it helps seeing people winning these difficult battles. Under-appreciated as a player it's good to see him getting his due recognition as a great bloke.
Best wishes to your sister mate, I hope all goes well for her !
Seconded.
I hope nobody makes the mistake of assuming that Villa's regard for Stan is based on us thinking that he is just a footballer who was struck by a terrible illness. He'd certainly won my heart as a player, captain and wonderful ambassador for the club long before that.
Absolutely Percy. I still find it astonishing that some people were keen to phase him out of the team/squad two or three years ago. There were some calls that he should be dropped and Reo-Coker played instead.
I really can't get my head around it.
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I definitely think it's time to retire the 19th minute applause after Wigan too.
I'd imagine we'd retire the applause when he is fully recovered, as at the moment Stan still needs our support for the battle that he's facing. Just because he's retired doesn't mean we should stop.
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The lap is mainly for them to show their appreciation to us for our support. Bloody yokels not knowing stuff!
That walk home from Wigan isn't getting any shorter !
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I emailed Paul Faulkner suggesting that Stan should lead the team out prior to the game and that the game should come to a halt for the 19th minute to allow players, staff and officials to join in the applause. I am sure that he won't mind me posting his response here.......
Thank you for your email. In terms of Saturday, as I am sure you would expect, we have discussed long and hard with Stiliyan and ultimately the decision as to what he wanted to do, and felt comfortable doing, was left up to him. We discussed the option of leading the team out, but being the true leader that he is, and a very selfless man, he didnt want to overshadow the team or the game, and asked instead just to be with the squad and his team-mates for the lap after the game, a request we would obviously respect. Im sure it will be a very emotional moment when he does step back out onto the Villa Park pitch, and everyone in the stadium will let him know just exactly what he does mean to the entire Villa family.
Regards,
Paul
I'm disappointed that its been decided to combine Stan's appearance with the "lap of appreciation". As I mentioned earlier, I don't think that given the team's overall performance this season and the still precarious league position, that such a lap is merited.
However, due to Stan's participation, I'll be there applauding with everyone else.
While I respect your opinion and agree its a shame its combined, I do think the youngsters deserve a lap of appreciation.
We basically have a whole team of youngsters that have never played together in one of the best leagues in the world. We look like we will finish above teams that are fully experienced at relegation battles with experienced players.
Players that have taken some serious beatings, but have come back from them and have played some very decent Football at times.
Its for these reasons that I will be applauding them alongside Stan.
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I emailed Paul Faulkner suggesting that Stan should lead the team out prior to the game and that the game should come to a halt for the 19th minute to allow players, staff and officials to join in the applause. I am sure that he won't mind me posting his response here.......
Thank you for your email. In terms of Saturday, as I am sure you would expect, we have discussed long and hard with Stiliyan and ultimately the decision as to what he wanted to do, and felt comfortable doing, was left up to him. We discussed the option of leading the team out, but being the true leader that he is, and a very selfless man, he didnt want to overshadow the team or the game, and asked instead just to be with the squad and his team-mates for the lap after the game, a request we would obviously respect. Im sure it will be a very emotional moment when he does step back out onto the Villa Park pitch, and everyone in the stadium will let him know just exactly what he does mean to the entire Villa family.
Regards,
Paul
I'm disappointed that its been decided to combine Stan's appearance with the "lap of appreciation". As I mentioned earlier, I don't think that given the team's overall performance this season and the still precarious league position, that such a lap is merited.
However, due to Stan's participation, I'll be there applauding with everyone else.
While I respect your opinion and agree its a shame its combined, I do think the youngsters deserve a lap of appreciation.
We basically have a whole team of youngsters that have never played together in one of the best leagues in the world. We look like we will finish above teams that are fully experienced at relegation battles with experienced players.
Players that have taken some serious beatings, but have come back from them and have played some very decent Football at times.
Its for these reasons that I will be applauding them alongside Stan.
As ClaretandBlueBlood posted a few pages back, this is the way Stan wanted. Surely that's what matters.
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I emailed Paul Faulkner suggesting that Stan should lead the team out prior to the game and that the game should come to a halt for the 19th minute to allow players, staff and officials to join in the applause. I am sure that he won't mind me posting his response here.......
Thank you for your email. In terms of Saturday, as I am sure you would expect, we have discussed long and hard with Stiliyan and ultimately the decision as to what he wanted to do, and felt comfortable doing, was left up to him. We discussed the option of leading the team out, but being the true leader that he is, and a very selfless man, he didnt want to overshadow the team or the game, and asked instead just to be with the squad and his team-mates for the lap after the game, a request we would obviously respect. Im sure it will be a very emotional moment when he does step back out onto the Villa Park pitch, and everyone in the stadium will let him know just exactly what he does mean to the entire Villa family.
Regards,
Paul
I'm disappointed that its been decided to combine Stan's appearance with the "lap of appreciation". As I mentioned earlier, I don't think that given the team's overall performance this season and the still precarious league position, that such a lap is merited.
However, due to Stan's participation, I'll be there applauding with everyone else.
While I respect your opinion and agree its a shame its combined, I do think the youngsters deserve a lap of appreciation.
We basically have a whole team of youngsters that have never played together in one of the best leagues in the world. We look like we will finish above teams that are fully experienced at relegation battles with experienced players.
Players that have taken some serious beatings, but have come back from them and have played some very decent Football at times.
Its for these reasons that I will be applauding them alongside Stan.
Too right mrfuse, completely agree. They've played naively at times, but they've come back and fought like lions under tremendous pressure these last few months.
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I emailed Paul Faulkner suggesting that Stan should lead the team out prior to the game and that the game should come to a halt for the 19th minute to allow players, staff and officials to join in the applause. I am sure that he won't mind me posting his response here.......
Thank you for your email. In terms of Saturday, as I am sure you would expect, we have discussed long and hard with Stiliyan and ultimately the decision as to what he wanted to do, and felt comfortable doing, was left up to him. We discussed the option of leading the team out, but being the true leader that he is, and a very selfless man, he didnt want to overshadow the team or the game, and asked instead just to be with the squad and his team-mates for the lap after the game, a request we would obviously respect. Im sure it will be a very emotional moment when he does step back out onto the Villa Park pitch, and everyone in the stadium will let him know just exactly what he does mean to the entire Villa family.
Regards,
Paul
I'm disappointed that its been decided to combine Stan's appearance with the "lap of appreciation". As I mentioned earlier, I don't think that given the team's overall performance this season and the still precarious league position, that such a lap is merited.
However, due to Stan's participation, I'll be there applauding with everyone else.
While I respect your opinion and agree its a shame its combined, I do think the youngsters deserve a lap of appreciation.
We basically have a whole team of youngsters that have never played together in one of the best leagues in the world. We look like we will finish above teams that are fully experienced at relegation battles with experienced players.
Players that have taken some serious beatings, but have come back from them and have played some very decent Football at times.
Its for these reasons that I will be applauding them alongside Stan.
Too right mrfuse, completely agree. They've played naively at times, but they've come back and fought like lions under tremendous pressure these last few months.
Thirded - I was surprised to Read UKRS's comment: these kids could have fizzled out months' ago and have instead bounced back, and some.
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I definitely think it's time to retire the 19th minute applause after Wigan too.
There are a few things about which this club can be proud this season, and the continued 19th minutes tribute is one. But I support the view that to continue the 19th minute into next season may start to look self-serving.
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I definitely think it's time to retire the 19th minute applause after Wigan too.
There are a few things about which this club can be proud this season, and the continued 19th minutes tribute is one. But I support the view that to continue the 19th minute into next season may start to look self-serving.
Yeah I also agree with that, I wonder what people think about retiring the shirt number?
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Even I think the player will deserve a clap if they stay up, and I'm a right miserable sod. Best of luck to Stan with his continued recovery and whatever he decides to do next.
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Some of the tweets in tribute to Stan:
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3173213,00.html
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I didn't hang about last season after the spurs game I had much better things to do.
Saturday I will stay and applaud the lads and Stan . Yes we've had some nightmares but generally the effort has been first class.
Seeing Stan is going to be very emotional.
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I don't think Stan would want the focus to be solely on him, he's obviously an emotional man who's had a difficult 12 months or so. Leading the team out afterwards allows him / us to say farewell and thank you without the emphasis being directly on Stan.
As for the stadium being half empty, there's only one solution to that & that's for everyone to stay behind for 10 minutes or so to pay him the tribute he deserves. It's not too much to ask, surely.
The 19th minute should end after the Wigan game, we have shown our support during Stan's illness, we now need to stop before it fades out & becomes half hearted. Stan and ourselves should now be looking forward to a better future rather focusing on the troubles of the past.
Retiring the number 19 shirt is not an option for me.
Stan, the club & the supporters have conducted themselves with highest level of dignity. These are the things that will always make Aston Villa a very special club & something we can all be proud of.
Now, all that is left to do is to give Stan the thank you he deserves. He will always be a special man. As soon as the whistle blows on FT we should start singing "there's only one Stylian Petrov" non-stop until he leaves the pitch.
UTV
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Lambert is on talksport shortly I believe to talk about Stan
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I thought Carlos Cuellar's comments today were very touching, too.
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I see Stan is being inducted into our hall of fame.
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We've got a hall of fame?
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We've got a hall of fame?
Yes.
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We inducted 12 into it in 2006, and no one since.
Hall of Fame (http://web.archive.org/web/20071015041500/http://www.avfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HallOfFame/0,,10265,00.html)
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I thought Carlos Cuellar's comments today were very touching, too.
What did he say ?
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Carlos Cuellar has paid a fulsome tribute to Stiliyan Petrov after the club captain announced his retirement from football.
Petrov, 33, has ended his playing career as he battles acute leukaemia, having been diagnosed in March 2012.
The cancer is in remission and the hugely-popular Bulgarian has announced he is setting up a foundation to help sufferers.
Sunderland defender Cuellar played alongside Petrov at Villa Park and says he's proud of what his former colleague has, and continues to, achieve.
"The news is hard, it is tough, but for me I prefer not to think anymore about Stan the player, I think about my friend, my brother and his health," he said.
"It is bad news that he has had to retire because football is what he loves, but the main thing is to win his personal battle against the cancer.
"I saw him recently and he looked better and well, which made me happy.
"He will be a big miss for football and for Aston Villa. He is a big character who loves jokes and he has been so important."
Cuellar added: "Stan has been a top player at the top level and shown everyone his quality.
"I am so proud of what he has achieved in football but I am prouder of what he is doing now because the battle is not easy."
In his statement released today, Petrov talks of his charity work as a "new challenge, one I will face with all the enthusiasm, energy and drive with which I have faced every single challenge."
And the Bulgarian's desire to help others comes as no surprise to Cuellar, who added: "Stan is a big inspiration and a good help for all those who are struggling with the same illness, the same battle in their lives.
"Famous people have more options to help people deal with things. I am so proud of Stan and the way he has approached and battled his illness."
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Great words from Carlos.
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/stan4_zps98653d14.jpg)
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One of the things I liked about Petrov was that in just about every game, he had one moment where he did something that made me think "wow" - an excellent pass or something.
It is horribly cruel that he should have to retire through this. I also can't help but think what an influence he'd have had on this young team this season, too.
I've thought the same myself. Looking at he squad we began the season with and seeing the way many of the senior players have marginalised or shipped out, it's hard to imagine Petrov receiving similar treatment had he been available for selection.
But whatever his merits as a player, there can be no question as to his qualities as a person. Apologies for forgetting who said "dignity, class, passion" earlier in the the thread but that pretty much sums him up and I'm very glad that we can count him as one of our own.
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I love that man.
I lost my old man to cancer 13 months ago. I won't be there, I hope he gets to realise what he means to us and, much more importantly, gets through it al. #19
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Terribly sorry to hear that VNV and those others that have been impacted by this dreadful illness.
I hope Stan continues to make a full recovery and gets the send-off he deserves, which I'm sure he will. We'll miss him but we'll never forget.
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I didn't hang about last season after the spurs game I had much better things to do.
Saturday I will stay and applaud the lads and Stan . Yes we've had some nightmares but generally the effort has been first class.
Seeing Stan is going to be very emotional.
The kick off time should also help keep people around after the game. When a game finishes at close to 5pm, people are probably more likely to have to dash off somewhere else than they are after an earlier match.
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I definitely think it's time to retire the 19th minute applause after Wigan too.
There are a few things about which this club can be proud this season, and the continued 19th minutes tribute is one. But I support the view that to continue the 19th minute into next season may start to look self-serving.
Yeah I also agree with that, I wonder what people think about retiring the shirt number?
Does that happen in football ?
Its a regular occurrence in US sport but I haven't heard of it being done in football over here.
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I didn't hang about last season after the spurs game I had much better things to do.
Saturday I will stay and applaud the lads and Stan . Yes we've had some nightmares but generally the effort has been first class.
Seeing Stan is going to be very emotional.
The kick off time should also help keep people around after the game. When a game finishes at close to 5pm, people are probably more likely to have to dash off somewhere else than they are after an earlier match.
a lot depends on the final score. if its another thrashing I cant see many sticking around
i'm taking my 5 year old to his first match on Saturday, so hope its not.
although he's not really into football yet, and probably wont understand much of whats going on,
so i'm going to be buying plenty of crisps and sweets
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I definitely think it's time to retire the 19th minute applause after Wigan too.
There are a few things about which this club can be proud this season, and the continued 19th minutes tribute is one. But I support the view that to continue the 19th minute into next season may start to look self-serving.
Yeah I also agree with that, I wonder what people think about retiring the shirt number?
Does that happen in football ?
Its a regular occurrence in US sport but I haven't heard of it being done in football over here.
We invented the modern game, we do what we want! :-)
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Someone has paid for 3000 Petrov masks to be printed for the Wigan game.
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I saw one or two clips of Stan on the telly yesterday. I'm not sure how old the footage was but he did look a lot better than he has done, which was heartwarming really.
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I sat at work today and read the articles and comments on Stan's retirement and had tears streaming down my face (not a good look when you are the Boss). No-one said anything but a friend said I had had some bad news and was best left alone.
I love you Stan, you are a hero and an inspiration.
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I emailed Paul Faulkner suggesting that Stan should lead the team out prior to the game and that the game should come to a halt for the 19th minute to allow players, staff and officials to join in the applause. I am sure that he won't mind me posting his response here.......
Thank you for your email. In terms of Saturday, as I am sure you would expect, we have discussed long and hard with Stiliyan and ultimately the decision as to what he wanted to do, and felt comfortable doing, was left up to him. We discussed the option of leading the team out, but being the true leader that he is, and a very selfless man, he didn’t want to overshadow the team or the game, and asked instead just to be with the squad and his team-mates for the lap after the game, a request we would obviously respect. I’m sure it will be a very emotional moment when he does step back out onto the Villa Park pitch, and everyone in the stadium will let him know just exactly what he does mean to the entire Villa family.
Regards,
Paul
I'm disappointed that its been decided to combine Stan's appearance with the "lap of appreciation". As I mentioned earlier, I don't think that given the team's overall performance this season and the still precarious league position, that such a lap is merited.
However, due to Stan's participation, I'll be there applauding with everyone else.
it's what Stan wanted which is the most important thing
-
I definitely think it's time to retire the 19th minute applause after Wigan too.
There are a few things about which this club can be proud this season, and the continued 19th minutes tribute is one. But I support the view that to continue the 19th minute into next season may start to look self-serving.
Yeah I also agree with that, I wonder what people think about retiring the shirt number?
Does that happen in football ?
Its a regular occurrence in US sport but I haven't heard of it being done in football over here.
We invented the modern game, we do what we want! :-)
I like the idea.
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I agree that it's time to knock the applause on the head. It's served its purpose and it's time to move forward.
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Judging Petrov solely on his performances in a Villa shirt, surely he would rank a disappointment largely?
Really poor for the first couple of seasons under MON. Eventually when we started playing 3 in midfield he improved a lot but probably his best season was the messy one under MHM while he was probably our best player with McLeish.
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Judging Petrov solely on his performances in a Villa shirt, surely he would rank a disappointment largely?
Really poor for the first couple of seasons under MON.
Poor the first season, certainly not the second.
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Judging Petrov solely on his performances in a Villa shirt, surely he would rank a disappointment largely?
Really poor for the first couple of seasons under MON. Eventually when we started playing 3 in midfield he improved a lot but probably his best season was the messy one under MHM while he was probably our best player with McLeish.
An extremely harsh analysis of one of the most "classy" players, we have had over the last decade. He did struggle in the first season but got over that and became an essential of what was our best team in the last 15 years or so.
Much maligned, similarly to Carrick I feel, because he wasn't the blood 'n' guts type of centre mid that is considered so essential. I always thought he lead by example, rather than the ranting and raving that many expect from a skipper.
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I emailed Paul Faulkner suggesting that Stan should lead the team out prior to the game and that the game should come to a halt for the 19th minute to allow players, staff and officials to join in the applause. I am sure that he won't mind me posting his response here.......
Thank you for your email. In terms of Saturday, as I am sure you would expect, we have discussed long and hard with Stiliyan and ultimately the decision as to what he wanted to do, and felt comfortable doing, was left up to him. We discussed the option of leading the team out, but being the true leader that he is, and a very selfless man, he didnt want to overshadow the team or the game, and asked instead just to be with the squad and his team-mates for the lap after the game, a request we would obviously respect. Im sure it will be a very emotional moment when he does step back out onto the Villa Park pitch, and everyone in the stadium will let him know just exactly what he does mean to the entire Villa family.
Regards,
Paul
I'm disappointed that its been decided to combine Stan's appearance with the "lap of appreciation". As I mentioned earlier, I don't think that given the team's overall performance this season and the still precarious league position, that such a lap is merited.
However, due to Stan's participation, I'll be there applauding with everyone else.
The lap of appreciation is as much about the players saying thank you to us as the other way around. Irrespective of how some aspects of the season have gone they've done well these past few months to drag themselves away from the abyss. I don't think we should ignore that, and not once have I ever got the impression our players haven't cared. We're not QPR.
Having Stan join them are his wishes and for me it embodies the togetherness of the club. Something we could not have said in recent years past. In some respects Stan being there represents a passing of the torch to the next generation with the hope that he will still be with us and the team for many years to come in whatever capacity.
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Judging Petrov solely on his performances in a Villa shirt, surely he would rank a disappointment largely?
Really poor for the first couple of seasons under MON. Eventually when we started playing 3 in midfield he improved a lot but probably his best season was the messy one under MHM while he was probably our best player with McLeish.
An extremely harsh analysis of one of the most "classy" players, we have had over the last decade. He did struggle in the first season but got over that and became an essential of what was our best team in the last 15 years or so.
Much maligned, similarly to Carrick I feel, because he wasn't the blood 'n' guts type of centre mid that is considered so essential. I always thought he lead by example, rather than the ranting and raving that many expect from a skipper.
I think you also need to bear in mind that he totally reinvented himself as a player to fulfill a need for us. At Celtic, he was more of an attacking midfielder. O'Neill asked him to be our sitting midfielder, largely just being in front of the back four, protecting them and not venturing forward much. When we got possession, he took the ball from the keeper/back four and moved it on. A lot of the time, moving it on meant sideways because of our persistent lack of movement further forward.
So yes, he struggled the first season, but then became integral into our system and pretty decent in that holding role. Above all that, he sweated for the cause and kept the team going - the only player I have seen sweat more is Zidane
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He struggled for a long time to adapt to a role he should'nt have been asked to do, especially bearing in mind how good he was in that debut. That was one of MON's fault's, buying players and changing the way they played. Anyway did adapt and he's been bloody well missed.
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Even in that first season, one thing that impressed me about Stan is that he never hid - he was always available for the ball and always giving 100%. So it was very gratifying to see things turn around for him in season 2.
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Stan Petrov, humble as ever. I hope he comes back as a coach one day, for Villa. I'm sure he'd be great with the younger players.
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For me, it's a no to retiring the squad number, it's all a bit Candle in the Wind 1997.
I think West Ham retired the number six in honour of Bobby Moore so we wouldn't be creating a precedent or starting a trend were we to do so.
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For me, it's a no to retiring the squad number, it's all a bit Candle in the Wind 1997.
I think West Ham retired the number six in honour of Bobby Moore so we wouldn't be creating a precedent or starting a trend were we to do so.
I tend to agree. City did it for Marc-Vivien Foe as well didn't they? But the difference is he died!! Stan has recovered and will hopefully remain involved in the club, so need to memorialise him.
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For me, it's a no to retiring the squad number, it's all a bit Candle in the Wind 1997.
I think West Ham retired the number six in honour of Bobby Moore so we wouldn't be creating a precedent or starting a trend were we to do so.
I tend to agree. City did it for Marc-Vivien Foe as well didn't they? But the difference is he died!! Stan has recovered and will hopefully remain involved in the club, so need to memorialise him.
I was just about to say something similar. The club, the fans have done a tremendous amount for Stan and his cause. But there is a danger that it goes too far and becomes more about what we are doing and how much we are doing, and is it ever enough and losing a perpective of the original issue and the person involved.
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Judging Petrov solely on his performances in a Villa shirt, surely he would rank a disappointment largely?
Really poor for the first couple of seasons under MON.
Poor the first season, certainly not the second.
He was superb on his debut and then dropped off for about 18 months.
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Judging Petrov solely on his performances in a Villa shirt, surely he would rank a disappointment largely?
Really poor for the first couple of seasons under MON.
Poor the first season, certainly not the second.
He was superb on his debut and then dropped off for about 18 months.
He didn't even play for most of the first half of 07/08. MON did the rare thing of dropping one of his "favourites". When he returned he was much improved.
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For me, it's a no to retiring the squad number, it's all a bit Candle in the Wind 1997.
I think West Ham retired the number six in honour of Bobby Moore so we wouldn't be creating a precedent or starting a trend were we to do so.
I tend to agree. City did it for Marc-Vivien Foe as well didn't they? But the difference is he died!! Stan has recovered and will hopefully remain involved in the club, so need to memorialise him.
He's in recovery but that not the same as saying he's recovered. Sorry to be pedantic but I think it's important to understand he's got a way to go before he can be classed as cured. Having said that, I agree that retiring the shirt isn't the way to go, although whether anyone would want the responsibility of wearing the number is another matter.
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Its quite poigniant that this is the 19th page that I'm posting on.
I dont think we should retire the shirt number and I dont think Stan would want it either.
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Stan has a long road ahead before he's recovered, so in the first instance that should be his only focus. Hopefully one day he can come back to the club in some capacity if he wants to do that.
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Villa don't necessarily need to officially retire the number as such, but it has a significance now that would mean any new or existing squad member wouldn't ask for the shirt for a while yet I wouldn't have thought.
Gutted I can't make it as I'd like to say my thanks at the end.
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As significant as it's been, it's only a number. I think Petrov in particular, wouldn't want the 19 to be removed.
I'd think he would be delighted to see the shirt given to an upcoming talent in the midfield.
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Judging Petrov solely on his performances in a Villa shirt, surely he would rank a disappointment largely?
Really poor for the first couple of seasons under MON. Eventually when we started playing 3 in midfield he improved a lot but probably his best season was the messy one under MHM while he was probably our best player with McLeish.
This is undermined entirely by the fact that he won both the players' and fans' Player Of The Year awards in 08/09.
He was a superb player for us, and this was realised by most long before his unfortunate illness.
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applause for this being the 19th page
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Judging Petrov solely on his performances in a Villa shirt, surely he would rank a disappointment largely?
Really poor for the first couple of seasons under MON. Eventually when we started playing 3 in midfield he improved a lot but probably his best season was the messy one under MHM while he was probably our best player with McLeish.
This is undermined entirely by the fact that he won both the players' and fans' Player Of The Year awards in 08/09.
He was a superb player for us, and this was realised by most long before his unfortunate illness.
Yep. As mentioned, when he forced his way back in the side at the tail end of the 07-08 season, he really started looking the part. From the next season on he was one of our most consistent players. Hugely missed last season when he became ill. Combined with Bent and Dunne being out, we just fell apart.
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Players and managers from across the Barclays Premier League including Sir Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Yaya Toure and Gareth Bale have put their names to a major campaign to raise funds for Birmingham based Cure Leukaemia, inspired by Aston Villas club captain, Stiliyan Petrov, who announced his retirement from football yesterday.
19 individual boards have been signed by every Premier League club over the 2012-13 season and are being be raffled off in a text-to-donate campaign that aims to raise a total of £100,000 to fund specialist nurses and drugs trials for leukaemia patients across the West Midlands. With Villas last home game of the season against Chelsea on Saturday 10 May, once signed, the set of 20 boards will be complete.
The campaign was launched after Stiliyan Stan Petrov was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March 2012.
Talking about the campaign, Stiliyan said: The team at the Centre for Clinical Haematology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham have been with me in my battle against leukaemia for many months. I have personal experience of how important it is to have access to specialist nurses, clinicians, pioneering drugs and treatments. Without the help of Cure Leukaemia, all this would not be available for other patients with their own battles with this disease.
What were trying to do is draw peoples awareness to this illness and do something practical by raising funds and helping to combat the disease. Im delighted that the cause has been supported by my team-mates and my colleagues throughout the Premier League. Its very touching and the amount of money we raise can make a real difference.
James McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Cure Leukaemia, said: We have been working closely with Aston Villa and visiting teams from the Barclays Premier League to create this highly unique opportunity to win millions of pounds of talent through the signature of every player from all 20 teams. To date there are 383 signatures and with Chelsea players due to sign on Saturday we will surpass 400. We hope all supporters across the country will take part and together we can raise vital funds to grow our network of specialist nurses which in turn will help save more lives.
To donate £5 to Cure Leukaemias Support Stan campaign and be in with the chance of winning every signature from all the 20 boards, text STAN19 to 70070
http://www.cureleukaemia.co.uk/events.php?story=77
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Judging Petrov solely on his performances in a Villa shirt, surely he would rank a disappointment largely?
Really poor for the first couple of seasons under MON.
Poor the first season, certainly not the second.
He was superb on his debut and then dropped off for about 18 months.
He didn't even play for most of the first half of 07/08. MON did the rare thing of dropping one of his "favourites". When he returned he was much improved.
When MON brought him back into the team it was on the right side of midfield initially. He started looking an improved player there and became settled enough to move into the centre.
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Lets hope that Styliian's appearance Saturday is the only cause for grown men crying at a Villa match this season.
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Lets hope that Styliian's appearance Saturday is the only cause for grown men crying at a Villa match this season.
Innit.
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I can understand the sentiment in retiring the number 19 shirt, my own preference would be to give it someone like Gary Gardner or Ashley Westwood. Imagine how much harder they'd try if they had Stan's shirt number.
All the best Stan, my lad who is only 7 is looking forward to waving to you tomorrow and wishing you all the best.
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I emailed Paul Faulkner suggesting that Stan should lead the team out prior to the game and that the game should come to a halt for the 19th minute to allow players, staff and officials to join in the applause. I am sure that he won't mind me posting his response here.......
Thank you for your email. In terms of Saturday, as I am sure you would expect, we have discussed long and hard with Stiliyan and ultimately the decision as to what he wanted to do, and felt comfortable doing, was left up to him. We discussed the option of leading the team out, but being the true leader that he is, and a very selfless man, he didn’t want to overshadow the team or the game, and asked instead just to be with the squad and his team-mates for the lap after the game, a request we would obviously respect. I’m sure it will be a very emotional moment when he does step back out onto the Villa Park pitch, and everyone in the stadium will let him know just exactly what he does mean to the entire Villa family.
Regards,
Paul
I'm disappointed that its been decided to combine Stan's appearance with the "lap of appreciation". As I mentioned earlier, I don't think that given the team's overall performance this season and the still precarious league position, that such a lap is merited.
However, due to Stan's participation, I'll be there applauding with everyone else.
The lap of appreciation is as much about the players saying thank you to us as the other way around. Irrespective of how some aspects of the season have gone they've done well these past few months to drag themselves away from the abyss. I don't think we should ignore that, and not once have I ever got the impression our players haven't cared. We're not QPR.
Having Stan join them are his wishes and for me it embodies the togetherness of the club. Something we could not have said in recent years past. In some respects Stan being there represents a passing of the torch to the next generation with the hope that he will still be with us and the team for many years to come in whatever capacity.
Think this is exactly the point. The players are showing their appreciation to the clubs fans, who have been superb this season IMHO. Having Stan to lead that is superb. I can understand the point of him leading the team out at the start of game, but the emotion of it all could affect some of the players and am sure this is the reason stan decided what he thought was the best time for fans to show their gratitude to him and vice versa. I sincerely hope he stays at the club in some capacity
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I can understand the sentiment in retiring the number 19 shirt, my own preference would be to give it someone like Gary Gardner or Ashley Westwood. Imagine how much harder they'd try if they had Stan's shirt number.
All the best Stan, my lad who is only 7 is looking forward to waving to you tomorrow and wishing you all the best.
How I feel about all our shirts (well, 1 to 11, mostly. Modern bloody football!!).
The players that inherit them should be aware of the high esteem in which many of those that have worn their number throughout our history are held, and realise that the number on the back of an Aston Villa shirt is not something to be taken lightly. It comes with an obligation to strive to emulate those who have worthily worn it before.
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There's a giant pull-out poster in the Chelsea edition of the Villa News & Record.
Skipper Stan Petrov's career in claret and blue is being celebrated at the big-game, after news of his retirement was announced this week.
The match programme is a special edition dedicated to Petrov and features a wonderful memento in the middle pages.
It's a mega poster - one side features Stan celebrating his goal at Everton and on the other is his squad number - No.19.
You can keep it locked in the pages of the popular publication or perhaps hold it up as a mark of respect for the terrific club skipper during the game.
In terms of written content, you get two captains for the price of one.
Skipper Ron Vlaar is the man in focus in our exclusive player interview - after stepping aside for club skipper Petrov to write the captain's column.
Stiliyan, of course, was a regular columnist in the programme before being diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March 2012.
And following the announcement of his retirement, we felt it only right that he should say a personal farewell to Villa supporters.
The man popularly known as Stan also features on the front cover of the programme for the game against Chelsea, while inside we trace his career in words and pictures.
Concrete Ron, meanwhile, talks at length about his debut season in claret and blue and his delight at scoring his first Villa goal - as well as giving his own tribute to the "inspirational" Petrov.
We also salute Gabby Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke for the scoring exploits which have seen them become Premier League record-breakers for the club.
And another prolific marksman, Juan Pablo Angel, is the subject of the My Favourite Villan feature, with trainee journalist Tara Lamb offering a female perspective on the Colombian striker.
Then there are the regular contributions from manager Paul Lambert and former Villa star Stan Collymore, while we conclude our series on Villa's Premier League campaigns with a look back at last season.
We're sure our "Stan Special" is one you will want to keep, and at £3 it's a great souvenir of a special occasion.
For even better, look out for our five-for-a-five programme bags, which contain the Chelsea edition, three back issues and a Villa poster book - all for just £5.
Back issues from the Liverpool, Fulham and Sunderland games will also be on sale at the programme kiosks.
Those who can't make it to the game can order the programme now on eBay.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/stan5_zps241b71f3.jpg)
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Thanks Stan.
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Anyone else find a lot of dust getting into their eyes when Stan came out?
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Anyone else find a lot of dust getting into their eyes when Stan came out?
Positive sandstorm in the Trinity upper. Must be the weather.
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Seeing all the babies being carried onto the pitch, its no wonder Villa were crap for most of the season. There must have been plenty of sleepless nights.
How may kids has Gabby got ? :o
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In regards to the #19, I'd like to see Gardner wear it next season.
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There are some right scumbags around:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270935_637089756318586_909380440_n.jpg)
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There are some right scumbags around:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270935_637089756318586_909380440_n.jpg)
Indeed there are legion but best to not give these people the attention they seek .
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Another wannabe internet hardman. I wonder he didn't wander up and down Witton Lane shouting that or holding up a sign with it written on?
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Another wannabe internet hardman. I wonder he didn't wander up and down Witton Lane shouting that or holding up a sign with it written on?
You think he's ever been to a game?
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Another wannabe internet hardman. I wonder he didn't wander up and down Witton Lane shouting that or holding up a sign with it written on?
You think he's ever been to a game?
No chance. I bet his favourite ever player is EBJT.
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Knowing that it is impossible to retweet something from a private account, it appears he has changed settings after the comment. Must have received a fair bit of abuse and gone running for the hills.
Internet tittle tattle
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Bluenose scum - what do you expect?
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Some people are just filth.
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One things for certain, if we'd have had Petrov in the squad this season we wouldn't be waiting on Arsenal to dig us out of the shit on Tuesday night
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Like others, I've been suffering from an awful lot of grit in my eyes since Stan announced his retirement.
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Like others, I've been suffering from an awful lot of grit in my eyes since Stan announced his retirement.
Same. Today watching Stan walk around the ground made me cry, properly cry. 19 UTV STAN PETROV.
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Like others, I've been suffering from an awful lot of grit in my eyes since Stan announced his retirement.
Same. Today watching Stan walk around the ground made me cry, properly cry. 19 UTV STAN PETROV.
I laughed at the Man.Utd fan crying over Fergie retiring, but watching Stan is a different kettle of fish altogether. Absolutely gutted for him but something inside me says it wont be long til we see him again. Have a feeling the job he eventually gets offered once better might lead on to bigger things....like management.
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Now there's dust in my house as well!
These are my final notes as captain of this great club, my final notes as a footballer.
Aston Villa will always remain in my heart.
I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given here and, to the fans, I am so grateful for the way you have supported me over the years, most especially during the past 14 months or so when you have stood with me and everything I have gone through during the 19th minute.
This has touched me profoundly. It will be hard to let go but in life everything and everybody must move on.
To have been part of this for seven years was enough to know that I have been part of something unique, something special. Up the Villa!
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"But the truth is that we know he'll always be here. That's the way he is and it's the way the club is."
Paul Lambert
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Stan Petrov writes in the Villa News & Record.
The thoughts of our skipper Stan Petrov as he writes his final captain's column in the matchday programme.
What has excited me most about this season is the way this team have grown.
They have grown as a team and the players have grown as individuals.
This augurs well for the future of the club.
The manager brought in some experienced players last summer in Ron Vlaar and Karim El Ahmadi but he also brought in young players with a fantastic hunger and desire to succeed.
They have all shown character, courage and great quality and potential.
Paul Lambert has seen these traits in his players for sure.
The younger players such as Christian Benteke, Ashley Westwood, Matt Lowton and others have grown into men during this season-long journey.
They have shown a battling spirit and a genuine will to achieve, battling through some really hard times and withstanding sometimes intense pressure.
They have managed to handle it all and the present run of form is testament to the resilience and ambition of the squad.
I was delighted when the manager was appointed in the summer because I knew him as a team-mate at Celtic and as a man.
I know the deep competitive nature that drives him and I have watched the drama unfold over the course of the past nine months.
The work ethic and overall ethos is now established and the belief that the manager has shown all along is evident in the progression of the players and in the fantastic support of the fans.
There is a very positive mood throughout the club.
There are many individual moments and performances I could talk about but the outstanding feature of this season - certainly since January - has been the 'team' performances.
You know this is a team, embodying everything that the word means.
Over these past few months they haven't just improved, they have managed to catch the eye of people within football.
Only last week on Match of the Day, Alan Hansen put forward Paul Lambert for manager of the season.
Everybody is taking notice, which is great for the club.
It is great for the chairman also. I know how passionate he is about Villa and I know how much he wants to see the club do well and continue to grow.
The seeds have been sown now and there is no doubt that Villa will benefit from the work that has been put in this season.
The example of senior players such as Gabby Agbonlahor, Brad Guzan and Ron Vlaar has encouraged the younger players to work harder and become better.
All of this hard work is beginning to pay off.
The levels of performance and commitment have always been high.
As a team, we are learning to defend better and this has helped to improve results.
I firmly believe that players and fans are all looking forward to next season with genuine optimism and that next season Villa will experience a lot of joy.
These are my final notes as captain of this great club, my final notes as a footballer.
Aston Villa will always remain in my heart.
I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given here and, to the fans, I am so grateful for the way you have supported me over the years, most especially during the past 14 months or so when you have stood with me and everything I have gone through during the 19th minute.
This has touched me profoundly. It will be hard to let go but in life everything and everybody must move on.
To have been part of this for seven years was enough to know that I have been part of something unique, something special. Up the Villa!
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Now there's dust in my house as well!
These are my final notes as captain of this great club, my final notes as a footballer.
Aston Villa will always remain in my heart.
I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given here and, to the fans, I am so grateful for the way you have supported me over the years, most especially during the past 14 months or so when you have stood with me and everything I have gone through during the 19th minute.
This has touched me profoundly. It will be hard to let go but in life everything and everybody must move on.
To have been part of this for seven years was enough to know that I have been part of something unique, something special. Up the Villa!
I read that in the programme at HT yesterday and had to go somewhere private as I was crying. Good luck Stan .
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I didn't snivel, but had a moment when Stan was out after the game where I couldn't sing any more as my voice was showing my, soon to break down, feminine side. I just clapped very loudly until composure took over.
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Just seen stan on tv and some villa old stars including stan are playing a special charity game in bulgaria next week- i am flying out there on Monday with mrs east and am interested in this game - anyone have more details on it ?
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Anniversary dinner, holiday in Bulgaria.... you are treating Mrs East a bit these days! Does she know the transfer window is open?
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Anniversary dinner, holiday in Bulgaria.... you are treating Mrs East a bit these days! Does she know the transfer window is open?
Indeed ozz, now the season is about over she will spend my money :(
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Don't be daft. If the window was open he would have banished from the house whilst watching Sky Sports news for 20 hours per day and spending only 30 mins of that (4 times) having a tug over the girl presenters...
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About time eastie played with some proper globes.
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Don't be daft. If the window was open he would have banished from the house whilst watching Sky Sports news for 20 hours per day and spending only 30 mins of that (4 times) having a tug over the girl presenters...
If Only for 30 mins over millie clode and Kirsty gallacher ? ;)
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About time eastie played with some proper globes.
At least mine works pws ;)
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One globe? Which one? Both of the wifes work but unfortunately are attached to her so I have no interest in them at all!
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There was an article about Mervyn King and the Bank of England on the BBC 6 o'clock news. They showed a clip of Stan on the pitch on Saturday.
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http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3187739,00.html
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Fantastic news that.
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Sid & Stan working together, great stuff.
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Well done to the club for this. It was a given really. Not just for sentiment, but because Stan's a fantastic role model. Great player, brilliant work ethic and impeccable character.
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Really good news
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Great to hear.
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Sid & Stan together? Expect to see great midfielders coming through our ranks!
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Out of interest, why do we call Cowans "Sid"? I think my dad explained it to me when I was little but I've forgotten.
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Number one academy in the country... Why isn't this shouted from the roof tops? Wonderful achievement, and a great addition to the club. Having petrov help develop the young talent with Sid is fantastic news.
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Out of interest, why do we call Cowans "Sid"? I think my dad explained it to me when I was little but I've forgotten.
It's his middle name.
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Future Villa manager?
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I am so glad Stan will be staying at the club. He has been a model professional and deserves his chance.
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Brilliant decision by Stan and the club, so pleased for all ;D
Also great positive publicity for AVFC, it demonstrates the Villa family ethos.
I can certainly see Petrov being groomed for a future Villa manager one day.
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Number one academy in the country... Why isn't this shouted from the roof tops?
Because we're better than the classless clubs that can't stand a day going by without them being headlined on Sky Sports News.
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Number one academy in the country... Why isn't this shouted from the roof tops?
Because we're better than the classless clubs that can't stand a day going by without them being headlined on Sky Sports News.
Indeed. "We know what we are". ;)
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That's nice news and well done to the club for offering him it. Hope he enjoys it and does well.
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Great news, his experience will be great for the youngsters.
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Bloody hell the door didn't even close on his way out!! Welcome back, Staniel!
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Wonderful stuff, I love our club!
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The most important part of this news is that Stan is well enough to do it.
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Lets hope Stan can motivate Stephen Ireland to have a great season in the youth team.
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Great news, happy he is staying with the club.
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Good news indeed.
Another reason to be proud of our club.
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Petrov and Cowans would have been an exceptional midfield combination - skillful, hard working, positionally brilliant, superb range of passing and industry-leading intelligence and calm. Hopefully they can pass on this to the next generation, especially the last bit - as SGT said in that depressing England film, you play football with your heads.
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Stan's value to the club went beyond what he was able to do on the pitch, particularly in the latter years.
The likes of Bannan, Albrighton and co were always at pains to point out how he made the transition from youth team to first team easier, by looking out for the younger players and making them feel a part of things.
Previous captains we've had -even if they've been better players- have been looking out for themselves first and foremost. Think Southgate, Barry and Young.
His style of play often used to infuriate many, let's not forget. Sideways and backwards passes. But I think that's the role he had to take on, for the good of the team. It wasn't 100% his natural game.
When the situation allowed it, he was capable of some Cowans-esque breathtaking passes too. A volleyed pass with the outside of the boot to send Ashley Young clear at Tottenham away a few years back sticks in the mind.
But anyone who places such a strong emphasis on retaining possession as Stan did will be a welcome addition to our backroom staff. If our kids are getting that drilled into them in their formative years, they have a chance.
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Talking about Stan now on 5 live.
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Good PR for the club, not sure if it will work long term - due to Stans illness
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Good PR for the club, not sure if it will work long term - due to Stans illness
Well let's try and look on the positive side and say he'll be at the club well after he's fully recovered.
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It is a good move I think and typical of the way the club likes to look after it's own. Well done AVFC.
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It's great news, for him and us.
If we disregard the issue of his illness for a second he's just the sort of person you'd want involved in helping develop our players.
I doubt he's going to be doing 50 hours weeks to start with but it keeps him involved and gives him a focus.
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I think it is a very sensible footballing decision. I am also proud of how our club have done this.
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Stan's value to the club went beyond what he was able to do on the pitch, particularly in the latter years.
The likes of Bannan, Albrighton and co were always at pains to point out how he made the transition from youth team to first team easier, by looking out for the younger players and making them feel a part of things.
This may well be true
Previous captains we've had -even if they've been better players- have been looking out for themselves first and foremost. Think Southgate, Barry and Young.
How on earth can you know this? Sothgate and Barry in particular struck me as consummate professionals during their time at the Villa. Just because they had the audacity to move on does not mean they weren't 'club men' when they were here.
Unless you have inside info of course? If so, fair enough. If not, well, I hate this sort of blanket statement slagging off people who can't defend themselves just because they moved on.
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Will it be ok to post a stream for Sundays Legends game out in Bulgeria?
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Will it be ok to post a stream for Sundays Legends game out in Bulgeria?
Can't see why not.
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Stan's value to the club went beyond what he was able to do on the pitch, particularly in the latter years.
The likes of Bannan, Albrighton and co were always at pains to point out how he made the transition from youth team to first team easier, by looking out for the younger players and making them feel a part of things.
This may well be true
Previous captains we've had -even if they've been better players- have been looking out for themselves first and foremost. Think Southgate, Barry and Young.
How on earth can you know this? Sothgate and Barry in particular struck me as consummate professionals during their time at the Villa. Just because they had the audacity to move on does not mean they weren't 'club men' when they were here.
That will be Gareth Southgate who spends his weekends coaching and refereeing an Under 11's team in Harrogate each week? Yep, always looking out for himself.
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I know Southgate and Barry left us for their careers, but they always come across as good people with a really genuine affection for the club.
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Will it be ok to post a stream for Sundays Legends game out in Bulgeria?
Can't see why not.
Nice one kick off 1pm Stream up from 12.
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Previous captains we've had -even if they've been better players- have been looking out for themselves first and foremost. Think Southgate, Barry and Young.
A strange view of the past.
Southgate was a great player and captain for Villa but was thwarted by the general air of mediocrity around VP at the time.
Barry gave us 11 years of his career.
All players look after themselves in the end; why wouldn't they?!
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Previous captains we've had -even if they've been better players- have been looking out for themselves first and foremost. Think Southgate, Barry and Young.
A strange view of the past.
Southgate was a great player and captain for Villa but was thwarted by the general air of mediocrity around VP at the time.
Barry gave us 11 years of his career.
All players look after themselves in the end; why wouldn't they?!
Agreed. Barry and Southgate were both first class captains for Villa. At least as good as good as Petrov, and probably better if I'm honest. That's not me being unkind about Petrov. I was always one of his biggest fans on here.
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A quick heads up that Bulgaria v Aston Villa is on today. There are links out there to the game that I assume are legal but, to be on the safe side, I won't post them here. I think it's half time at the moment so all to play for...
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Lost 4-2. Rioch Out. www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=150703
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perhaps it's too early but has anyone got news on Stan's leukemia foundation at all ie. has it been set up yet?
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Stan's value to the club went beyond what he was able to do on the pitch, particularly in the latter years.
The likes of Bannan, Albrighton and co were always at pains to point out how he made the transition from youth team to first team easier, by looking out for the younger players and making them feel a part of things.
This may well be true
Previous captains we've had -even if they've been better players- have been looking out for themselves first and foremost. Think Southgate, Barry and Young.
How on earth can you know this? Sothgate and Barry in particular struck me as consummate professionals during their time at the Villa. Just because they had the audacity to move on does not mean they weren't 'club men' when they were here.
Unless you have inside info of course? If so, fair enough. If not, well, I hate this sort of blanket statement slagging off people who can't defend themselves just because they moved on.
I don't care how they struck you, TBH (though I wish they had, might have removed the fog). Barry was our captain at the time he instructed his agent to get him a move, first for Chelsea towards the end of 2007 and then Liverpool in 2008. This was on top of the two previous transfer requests he'd put in earlier in his Villa career.
Southgate, who - I don't think it's unfair to say owed at least part of his England recognition to Brian Little after the switch to centre half- made noises about leaving the club the first time we hit a rocky patch under he who walks on water in October 1997. Paraphrasing, but when asked about the issues at the club at the time, rather than a 'We're all in this together and we'll turn it around," type declaration you'd expect from a captain, he instead went the route of "A number of players are considering their future at the club, and I'm one of them." Thanks Brian.
He then signed a lucrative contract under JG, but it wasn't long before he was making noises about being unsettled and going 'stale,' in 1999. And, of course, the famous 'lack of ambition.' Which might have been true, to an extent. But for a player of Southgate's ability -even if he was an England international- a top six club was about par. The transfer request went in in 2000 and remained until 2001. Only Man U, Chelsea and the like didn't beat a path to his door as he expected. There probably have been more limited centre halves with an inflated sense of self worth, but not many.
Paul Scholes said something interesting last year when asked about whether he missed playing for England. "The problem with England get togethers is you get players from Aston Villa asking about life at Manchester United, and how they can get a move." Considering the time he retired, there's only two/three players that could have been. And I don't think it was Darius Vassell.
Hodge might have been the first player we had who let England recognition get to his head, but he was always a bit of a cock anyway. More was probably expected from the above two, particularly as captains of the club.
So that's two players who agitated to leave the club many times before they actually did? I'd say you and I have very different ideas as to what constitutes consummate professionals, if I was being kind.
That will be Gareth Southgate who spends his weekends coaching and refereeing an Under 11's team in Harrogate each week? Yep, always looking out for himself.
There's probably a connection between that and the latter stages of his Villa career that I don't see.
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The thing Is they are footballers doing a job for the club they play for - not fans of that club.
They will look to progress their career and although its dissappointing i don't hold any grudge against Barry or southgate.
Both gave us great value for money and i was sorry to lose them but that's football these days.
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There are not many players I have liked over the past 20 years. King Olaf and Martin are two, Gabby will be one I am sure and I have hopes for Weiman but too many others will leave without hesitation and always try to engineer moves to 'bigger' clubs. I try my best not to give a fuck about players tha play for us these days as I can already see myself getting passed off with Benteke.
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I dunno. Fellow pros only seem to have good things to say about Gareth Southgate Badger and Barry. I know their exits were contentious but they never let the effort drop. I would guess if you asked a lot of youngsters breaking through at the times Southgate and Barry had become key players respectively, they'd have good things to say. Southgate has always struck me as a decent guy, certainly even more so than Barry. Moving to Boro was one of the few times Southgate probably made himself look a plum.
As for Barry, you can't really say that wasn't a good move which paid off. Even Southgate won a trophy with Boro too and get to a European final. During his Boro time we were a country mile away from winning a trophy...NOT that I'd trade places with them.
He probably was starting to go stale with us to be honest. Then there was Boro who weren't afraid of throwing a few quid around. He probably felt there was ambition there, and they probably paid him more. At the end of the day, money talks even for the best of pro's.
In Barry's case, he seemed set to move a few seasons. When O Leary was here I wouldn't have blamed him. The Liverpool fiasco was foolish, but a rare blot on his CV. He's mostly been very level headed and very consistent. A top pro.
And I love Stan but had he joined us 2-3 years earlier and really hit the ground running, how can anyone know he wouldn't have been angling for a move? I'd like to think he wouldn't have, but we don't know. What I will say for Stan was that despite a lot of the players having a major discord with Houllier, including our boy Gabby, he was a completely consummate pro and very diplomatic.
There is most certainly a big difference between Southgate and Barry, and the likes of Downing.
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Stan's value to the club went beyond what he was able to do on the pitch, particularly in the latter years.
The likes of Bannan, Albrighton and co were always at pains to point out how he made the transition from youth team to first team easier, by looking out for the younger players and making them feel a part of things.
This may well be true
Previous captains we've had -even if they've been better players- have been looking out for themselves first and foremost. Think Southgate, Barry and Young.
How on earth can you know this? Sothgate and Barry in particular struck me as consummate professionals during their time at the Villa. Just because they had the audacity to move on does not mean they weren't 'club men' when they were here.
Unless you have inside info of course? If so, fair enough. If not, well, I hate this sort of blanket statement slagging off people who can't defend themselves just because they moved on.
I don't care how they struck you, TBH (though I wish they had, might have removed the fog). Barry was our captain at the time he instructed his agent to get him a move, first for Chelsea towards the end of 2007 and then Liverpool in 2008. This was on top of the two previous transfer requests he'd put in earlier in his Villa career.
Southgate, who - I don't think it's unfair to say owed at least part of his England recognition to Brian Little after the switch to centre half- made noises about leaving the club the first time we hit a rocky patch under he who walks on water in October 1997. Paraphrasing, but when asked about the issues at the club at the time, rather than a 'We're all in this together and we'll turn it around," type declaration you'd expect from a captain, he instead went the route of "A number of players are considering their future at the club, and I'm one of them." Thanks Brian.
He then signed a lucrative contract under JG, but it wasn't long before he was making noises about being unsettled and going 'stale,' in 1999. And, of course, the famous 'lack of ambition.' Which might have been true, to an extent. But for a player of Southgate's ability -even if he was an England international- a top six club was about par. The transfer request went in in 2000 and remained until 2001. Only Man U, Chelsea and the like didn't beat a path to his door as he expected. There probably have been more limited centre halves with an inflated sense of self worth, but not many.
Paul Scholes said something interesting last year when asked about whether he missed playing for England. "The problem with England get togethers is you get players from Aston Villa asking about life at Manchester United, and how they can get a move." Considering the time he retired, there's only two/three players that could have been. And I don't think it was Darius Vassell.
Hodge might have been the first player we had who let England recognition get to his head, but he was always a bit of a cock anyway. More was probably expected from the above two, particularly as captains of the club.
So that's two players who agitated to leave the club many times before they actually did? I'd say you and I have very different ideas as to what constitutes consummate professionals, if I was being kind.
That will be Gareth Southgate who spends his weekends coaching and refereeing an Under 11's team in Harrogate each week? Yep, always looking out for himself.
There's probably a connection between that and the latter stages of his Villa career that I don't see.
Players come and go. Get over it. Perhaps if we had signed Petrov in his younger days he may well of left us for a bigger club if he one had come in for him. No big deal, it happens.
Barry and Southgate were fine players for us. Barry deserved to go and win things after the 11 years service he gave to us, and good luck to him.
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The thing Is they are footballers doing a job for the club they play for - not fans of that club.
They will look to progress their career and although its dissappointing i don't hold any grudge against Barry or southgate.
Both gave us great value for money and i was sorry to lose them but that's football these days.
Aye. But compare and contrast that with Stan. Joins Villa after MON's arrival. Has a big affinity with him since their time together at Celtic. O'Neill leaves. Surely -if he wanted to- he could have agitated for a move, one final payday. On the grounds that he didn't like the direction the club was going. He was plenty good enough to still play at a decent standard- on big money- here or abroad. He could have done that in 2010 or 2011 -after the horrors of Houllier.
But he stayed. Not only that, he was extremely popular around the place the majority of his time with us (still is). To the point that many of the younger players mentioned him by name, and how he'd gone out of his way to make them feel a part of the set up.
That's the initial point I was making. Not so much to bag the previous lot (even if they did act like wankers). Being captain means setting a higher standard than other players at the club, both in performance and conduct. I'm not suggesting that wearing the captains armband ties you to a club for life. If an opportunity presents itself to further your career most players (and people in general) will take it.
But it's the way you go about that. Putting in transfer requests, slating the club publicly and running interviews in a newspaper asking the club to let you make your 'dream' move to Liverpool does not tally with this notion of the above pair as consummate professionals. It is consistent with how some Villa fans seem to view their own club though, unfortunately. Smallfry. There to just make up the numbers. So it's to be expected that our best players will want to leave. Not only that, we should be applauding them for doing so.
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I remember reading that interview Barry did with the NOTW together with the picture of him looking depressed and i sat there thinking 'what a twat'. For a club captain, it was a tad bit unprofessional and for a club which gave him his chance, arguably a little disrespectful.
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I remember reading that interview Barry did with the NOTW together with the picture of him looking depressed and i sat there thinking 'what a twat'. For a club captain, it was a tad bit unprofessional and for a club which gave him his chance, arguably a little disrespectful.
It works both ways clampy, yes we gave him his chance but he gave us a decade of loyal service - its a career to footballers and sad as it is to lose top players its not going to change anytime soon .
He was trying to force the issue and probably ill advised to do the article but gave us another good year afterwards , unlike dwight yorke.
I hope we are not having this discussion about benteke in the next few weeks.
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I remember reading that interview Barry did with the NOTW together with the picture of him looking depressed and i sat there thinking 'what a twat'. For a club captain, it was a tad bit unprofessional and for a club which gave him his chance, arguably a little disrespectful.
He was trying to force the issue and probably ill advised to do the article but gave us another good year afterwards , unlike dwight yorke.
He did'nt really have much choice considering that the club who he so so desperatley wanted to join did'nt think he was worth the money we was asking.
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I remember reading that interview Barry did with the NOTW together with the picture of him looking depressed and i sat there thinking 'what a twat'. For a club captain, it was a tad bit unprofessional and for a club which gave him his chance, arguably a little disrespectful.
He was trying to force the issue and probably ill advised to do the article but gave us another good year afterwards , unlike dwight yorke.
He did'nt really have much choice considering that the club who he so so desperatley wanted to join did'nt think he was worth the money we was asking.
He still got his head down and had a great season for us though, there are many who would have sulked and under performed - i like both Gareth's and think both were good role models .
I was surprised nobody bigger than boro came in for southgate to be honest .
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I remember reading that interview Barry did with the NOTW together with the picture of him looking depressed and i sat there thinking 'what a twat'. For a club captain, it was a tad bit unprofessional and for a club which gave him his chance, arguably a little disrespectful.
It works both ways clampy, yes we gave him his chance but he gave us a decade of loyal service - its a career to footballers and sad as it is to lose top players its not going to change anytime soon .
He was trying to force the issue and probably ill advised to do the article but gave us another good year afterwards , unlike dwight yorke.
I hope we are not having this discussion about benteke in the next few weeks.
He tried to leave more than once before that NOTW interview.
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I remember reading that interview Barry did with the NOTW together with the picture of him looking depressed and i sat there thinking 'what a twat'. For a club captain, it was a tad bit unprofessional and for a club which gave him his chance, arguably a little disrespectful.
It works both ways clampy, yes we gave him his chance but he gave us a decade of loyal service - its a career to footballers and sad as it is to lose top players its not going to change anytime soon .
He was trying to force the issue and probably ill advised to do the article but gave us another good year afterwards , unlike dwight yorke.
I hope we are not having this discussion about benteke in the next few weeks.
He tried to leave more than once before that NOTW interview.
Also in that interview, he said that he'd only leave for a club playing in the Champions League and he ended up going to Man City who at the time were not even in europe.
I don't begrudge him his move, it was his choice and his career but he was just a bit of an arse for the way he went about it.
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I remember reading that interview Barry did with the NOTW together with the picture of him looking depressed and i sat there thinking 'what a twat'. For a club captain, it was a tad bit unprofessional and for a club which gave him his chance, arguably a little disrespectful.
It works both ways clampy, yes we gave him his chance but he gave us a decade of loyal service - its a career to footballers and sad as it is to lose top players its not going to change anytime soon .
He was trying to force the issue and probably ill advised to do the article but gave us another good year afterwards , unlike dwight yorke.
I hope we are not having this discussion about benteke in the next few weeks.
He tried to leave more than once before that NOTW interview.
Also in that interview, he said that he'd only leave for a club playing in the Champions League and he ended up going to Man City who at the time were not even in europe.
I don't begrudge him his move, it was his choice and his career but he was just a bit of an arse for the way he went about it.
Obviously he told all about what was about to happen at Man City and was sold on the idea. I bet there wouldn't be a footballer out there that wouldn't turn them down. He justified his move anyway. He wanted trophies and CL football and he got it. He was hardly ever going to get that at Villa.
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Agree with Saunders , Barry joined city for huge wages at the start of their big spending - it was only a matter of time before trophies arrived given the cash at their disposal and as in both Barry and milners case a move they were never going to turn down .
If city had come in for petrov at that time i doubt he would have refused the move either - who wouldn't want the chance to progress their career to the highest level and double or table their wages?
Downing was a bit different in that he was injured long term on arrival and after one decent season decided the grass was greener elsewhere- southgate , Milner and Barry especially had given more value for money and longer service to the club.
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I don't blame Barry for going to Man City.
That "please let me fulfil my dreams" article is another thing, entirely. That was unforgivable.
Not particularly with regard to Barry, but footballers in general, that whole "loyal service" thing is entirely inappropriate in my opinion.
Loyal service is the lollipop lady who does her job for 30 years, or the teacher who devotes his entire career to struggling inner city schools.
What it isn't is a pampered young man spending five or six years in a job where he gets to do what he loves, with the adulation of thousands, and a salary of millions of pounds a year.
I appreciate footballers who stick with one club for a chunk of their career, but ultimately football is just a game.
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I don't blame Barry for going to Man City.
That "please let me fulfil my dreams" article is another thing, entirely. That was unforgivable.
Not particularly with regard to Barry, but footballers in general, that whole "loyal service" thing is entirely inappropriate in my opinion.
Loyal service is the lollipop lady who does her job for 30 years, or the teacher who devotes his entire career to struggling inner city schools.
What it isn't is a pampered young man spending five or six years in a job where he gets to do what he loves, with the adulation of thousands, and a salary of millions of pounds a year.
I appreciate footballers who stick with one club for a chunk of their career, but ultimately football is just a game.
It's a career to them and they look at it differently to fans who love their club , players come and go and it will no doubt happen with our current team too- the money in football and wages paid are ridiculous now.
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I don't blame Barry for going to Man City.
That "please let me fulfil my dreams" article is another thing, entirely. That was unforgivable.
Not particularly with regard to Barry, but footballers in general, that whole "loyal service" thing is entirely inappropriate in my opinion.
Loyal service is the lollipop lady who does her job for 30 years, or the teacher who devotes his entire career to struggling inner city schools.
What it isn't is a pampered young man spending five or six years in a job where he gets to do what he loves, with the adulation of thousands, and a salary of millions of pounds a year.
I appreciate footballers who stick with one club for a chunk of their career, but ultimately football is just a game.
I think Barry's NOTW piece was naive but I think he genuinely wanted to let Villa fans know the reason he wanted to leave. Compare that to James Milner who never said a word in public and engineered a move on the quiet yet is treated as some kind of hero to many Villa fans even though he couldn't wait to get out of the place. Never understood that one.
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I think Barry's NOTW piece was naive but I think he genuinely wanted to let Villa fans know the reason he wanted to leave. Compare that to James Milner who never said a word in public and engineered a move on the quiet yet is treated as some kind of hero to many Villa fans even though he couldn't wait to get out of the place. Never understood that one.
I thought it was MON who effectively encouraged Milner to leave ...
I've always been a strong defender of Gazza Bazza in that he gave us the best 11 years of his career.
What is and is not said in the press is - frankly - irrelevent because most of them are pretty inarticulate anyway (as are the players!).
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Barry was being ridiculous though. We would'nt have stood in his way had Liverpool met our valuation but because they did'nt he went bleating to the press. As club captain at the time, he should have known better.
Odemwingie is the best example though if you're talking about player loyalty. He dose'nt know the meaning of the word.
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I don't blame Barry for going to Man City.
That "please let me fulfil my dreams" article is another thing, entirely. That was unforgivable.
Not particularly with regard to Barry, but footballers in general, that whole "loyal service" thing is entirely inappropriate in my opinion.
Loyal service is the lollipop lady who does her job for 30 years, or the teacher who devotes his entire career to struggling inner city schools.
What it isn't is a pampered young man spending five or six years in a job where he gets to do what he loves, with the adulation of thousands, and a salary of millions of pounds a year.
I appreciate footballers who stick with one club for a chunk of their career, but ultimately football is just a game.
I think Barry's NOTW piece was naive but I think he genuinely wanted to let Villa fans know the reason he wanted to leave. Compare that to James Milner who never said a word in public and engineered a move on the quiet yet is treated as some kind of hero to many Villa fans even though he couldn't wait to get out of the place. Never understood that one.
Why did he want to go to Portsmouth then?
As for the Milner stuff, that is purely guess work.
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I don't blame Barry for going to Man City.
That "please let me fulfil my dreams" article is another thing, entirely. That was unforgivable.
Not particularly with regard to Barry, but footballers in general, that whole "loyal service" thing is entirely inappropriate in my opinion.
Loyal service is the lollipop lady who does her job for 30 years, or the teacher who devotes his entire career to struggling inner city schools.
What it isn't is a pampered young man spending five or six years in a job where he gets to do what he loves, with the adulation of thousands, and a salary of millions of pounds a year.
I appreciate footballers who stick with one club for a chunk of their career, but ultimately football is just a game.
I think Barry's NOTW piece was naive but I think he genuinely wanted to let Villa fans know the reason he wanted to leave. Compare that to James Milner who never said a word in public and engineered a move on the quiet yet is treated as some kind of hero to many Villa fans even though he couldn't wait to get out of the place. Never understood that one.
Why did he want to go to Portsmouth then?
As for the Milner stuff, that is purely guess work.
When you are at a club as long as Barry was there's always going to be occasions you'll 'nearly leave', but the fact remained that he was a Villa layer for 11 years. Not many players have ever stayed that long at Villa or at any other club for that matter, and especially in this day and age. As for Milner, well you're right, we'll never know for sure but the fact remains he left the club without a word of explanation as soon as he found some consistent form, yet he's looked on as some kind of hero for some bizarre reason.
For me he isn't fit to lace Barry's boots.
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I don't blame Barry for going to Man City.
That "please let me fulfil my dreams" article is another thing, entirely. That was unforgivable.
Not particularly with regard to Barry, but footballers in general, that whole "loyal service" thing is entirely inappropriate in my opinion.
Loyal service is the lollipop lady who does her job for 30 years, or the teacher who devotes his entire career to struggling inner city schools.
What it isn't is a pampered young man spending five or six years in a job where he gets to do what he loves, with the adulation of thousands, and a salary of millions of pounds a year.
I appreciate footballers who stick with one club for a chunk of their career, but ultimately football is just a game.
I think Barry's NOTW piece was naive but I think he genuinely wanted to let Villa fans know the reason he wanted to leave. Compare that to James Milner who never said a word in public and engineered a move on the quiet yet is treated as some kind of hero to many Villa fans even though he couldn't wait to get out of the place. Never understood that one.
Why did he want to go to Portsmouth then?
As for the Milner stuff, that is purely guess work.
When you are at a club as long as Barry was there's always going to be occasions you'll 'nearly leave', but the fact remained that he was a Villa layer for 11 years. Not many players have ever stayed that long at Villa or at any other club for that matter, and especially in this day and age. As for Milner, well you're right, we'll never know for sure but the fact remains he left the club without a word of explanation as soon as he found some consistent form, yet he's looked on as some kind of hero for some bizarre reason.
For me he isn't fit to lace Barry's boots.
Why would milner have to explain his reason for leaving - he joined a club heading for the champions league , paying vast fortunes in wages and signing some of the top players in the world?
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Milner moving to Man City has got him a league winners medal and a very healthy bank balance. It has'nt improved him that much as a footballer.
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I don't blame Barry for going to Man City.
That "please let me fulfil my dreams" article is another thing, entirely. That was unforgivable.
Not particularly with regard to Barry, but footballers in general, that whole "loyal service" thing is entirely inappropriate in my opinion.
Loyal service is the lollipop lady who does her job for 30 years, or the teacher who devotes his entire career to struggling inner city schools.
What it isn't is a pampered young man spending five or six years in a job where he gets to do what he loves, with the adulation of thousands, and a salary of millions of pounds a year.
I appreciate footballers who stick with one club for a chunk of their career, but ultimately football is just a game.
I think Barry's NOTW piece was naive but I think he genuinely wanted to let Villa fans know the reason he wanted to leave. Compare that to James Milner who never said a word in public and engineered a move on the quiet yet is treated as some kind of hero to many Villa fans even though he couldn't wait to get out of the place. Never understood that one.
Why did he want to go to Portsmouth then?
As for the Milner stuff, that is purely guess work.
When you are at a club as long as Barry was there's always going to be occasions you'll 'nearly leave', but the fact remained that he was a Villa layer for 11 years. Not many players have ever stayed that long at Villa or at any other club for that matter, and especially in this day and age. As for Milner, well you're right, we'll never know for sure but the fact remains he left the club without a word of explanation as soon as he found some consistent form, yet he's looked on as some kind of hero for some bizarre reason.
For me he isn't fit to lace Barry's boots.
Why would milner have to explain his reason for leaving - he joined a club heading for the champions league , paying vast fortunes in wages and signing some of the top players in the world?
He didn't have to explain. He wanted out and he didn't give a damn how he got it. Barry was different because (in my opinion) he thought he owed Villa fans an explanation, probably because he had become part of the furniture at Villa Park.
My problem is that Milner gets the hero treatment while Barry gets the grief.
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Milner moving to Man City has got him a league winners medal and a very healthy bank balance. It has'nt improved him that much as a footballer.
While Barry became an integral part of the Man City team. Milner never did.
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Milner moving to Man City has got him a league winners medal and a very healthy bank balance. It has'nt improved him that much as a footballer.
While Barry became an integral part of the Man City team. Milner never did.
You're missing my point about Barry i think. I did'nt begrudge him wanting to move, just the way he went about it.
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Nobody has shit on the club and its managers more often than Andy Gray, yet he's still a hero to many. The same goes for Alan McInally - four decent months then his form went and he coincidentally left as soon as he could but he's a 'legend'. Dwight Yorke, on the other hand, gave us years of service after he'd been messed around by managers and was regarded as the devil incarnate on the back of one performance in a match when he shouldn't have been picked.
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Milner moving to Man City has got him a league winners medal and a very healthy bank balance. It has'nt improved him that much as a footballer.
While Barry became an integral part of the Man City team. Milner never did.
You're missing my point about Barry i think. I did'nt begrudge him wanting to move, just the way he went about it.
Where as I thought he was being honest. He wanted a move and he told us, unlike Milner who engineered a move on the quiet. Milner gets the hero treatment and I don't understand it.
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I've seen too many big name players leave villa down the years to hold a grudge against them , it will happen again no doubt - we just have to realise that once established the top players will probably move on to clubs chasing the big trophies.
Hodge was probably the worst example of them all, but once its happened so many times you kind of get used to it.
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The Yorke one is interesting. I was at Goodison that day and he might has well have been back in the dressing room for all the effort he put in but yes, in hindsight he should'nt have played. His kissing of the United badge at Old Trafford in front of us did'nt help his cause either though.
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I think Barry's NOTW piece was naive but I think he genuinely wanted to let Villa fans know the reason he wanted to leave. Compare that to James Milner who never said a word in public and engineered a move on the quiet yet is treated as some kind of hero to many Villa fans even though he couldn't wait to get out of the place. Never understood that one.
I thought it was MON who effectively encouraged Milner to leave ...
I've always been a strong defender of Gazza Bazza in that he gave us the best 11 years of his career.
What is and is not said in the press is - frankly - irrelevent because most of them are pretty inarticulate anyway (as are the players!).
Milner is different. At the time, I saw him as a better player than Barry. Also, he had played for a number of clubs before joining villa so wasn't 'villa' the way Barry was. He also had two spells at villa and didn't go mouthing off to the press. In addition, Barry had previous having tried to engineer a move earlier in the decade.
Downing is then on a different level entirely. Moving to a declining Liverpool from a villa that were then at a crossroads.
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Milner moving to Man City has got him a league winners medal and a very healthy bank balance. It has'nt improved him that much as a footballer.
While Barry became an integral part of the Man City team. Milner never did.
You're missing my point about Barry i think. I did'nt begrudge him wanting to move, just the way he went about it.
Where as I thought he was being honest. He wanted a move and he told us, unlike Milner who engineered a move on the quiet. Milner gets the hero treatment and I don't understand it.
The thing is Barry made out that we were standing in his way of his dream move and we was'nt. We put a price on him, it was'nt matched and that should have been the end of it. You have to bear in mind that he was probably one of the best central midfielders in the Premier at the time. We was'nt going to lower our price just because he thought we should.
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Milner moving to Man City has got him a league winners medal and a very healthy bank balance. It has'nt improved him that much as a footballer.
While Barry became an integral part of the Man City team. Milner never did.
You're missing my point about Barry i think. I did'nt begrudge him wanting to move, just the way he went about it.
Where as I thought he was being honest. He wanted a move and he told us, unlike Milner who engineered a move on the quiet. Milner gets the hero treatment and I don't understand it.
The thing is Barry made out that we were standing in his way of his dream move and we was'nt. We put a price on him, it was'nt matched and that should have been the end of it. You have to bear in mind that he was probably one of the best central midfielders in the Premier at the time. We was'nt going to lower our price just because he thought we should.
The way it worked out was to his benefit , at Liverpool he would have had nowhere near the plaudits and rewards he went on to get at city,
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Milner moving to Man City has got him a league winners medal and a very healthy bank balance. It has'nt improved him that much as a footballer.
While Barry became an integral part of the Man City team. Milner never did.
You're missing my point about Barry i think. I did'nt begrudge him wanting to move, just the way he went about it.
Where as I thought he was being honest. He wanted a move and he told us, unlike Milner who engineered a move on the quiet. Milner gets the hero treatment and I don't understand it.
Perhaps because Milner (despite being at the club for a far shorter time than Barry) had more respect for the club? Or at least behaved in a way that was consistent with that. The fact that he didn't bleat to the press about his 'dream' move or go the route of citing lack of ambiton as an excuse to get a fat payday elsewhere meant he left on good terms.
As was said earlier, it's not just leaving. But the way you go about it. Milners departure was probably closer to what you'd expect from a captain, commited and wholehearted right up until his last game (which he could have avoided, bearing in mind an injury might have cost him his move), and no pot shots at the club, or 'off' comments, that led to a build up of speculation during the season.
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Edit
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The thing I gauge from the Milner deal, is that it started Lerner's attempts to balance the book. Okay, Milner probably felt like the move would lead to silverware and a hefty paycheck(though I don't think he's as money orientated as the others). But I think it's mostly a case of Lerner and Faulkner, probably justifyably, wanting to cash in when a ridiculous offer was looming.
O Neill didn't want to sell him. There was some rumours he didn't appreciate how the Milner money would be re-invested, and didn't want Ireland as part of the deal. Possibly here-say, but we all know what happened a week before the season started. Then within a week the deal was done with Ireland coming this way.
As for Downing. He is a weasily shit. And he did seem determined to desert a quite blatantly sinking ship, but I've absolutely no qualms with taking 20 million for such an average player.
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Milner moving to Man City has got him a league winners medal and a very healthy bank balance. It has'nt improved him that much as a footballer.
While Barry became an integral part of the Man City team. Milner never did.
You're missing my point about Barry i think. I did'nt begrudge him wanting to move, just the way he went about it.
Where as I thought he was being honest. He wanted a move and he told us, unlike Milner who engineered a move on the quiet. Milner gets the hero treatment and I don't understand it.
Perhaps because Milner (despite being at the club for a far shorter time than Barry) had more respect for the club? Or at least behaved in a way that was consistent with that. The fact that he didn't bleat to the press about his 'dream' move or go the route of citing lack of ambiton as an excuse to get a fat payday elsewhere meant he left on good terms.
As was said earlier, it's not just leaving. But the way you go about it. Milners departure was probably closer to what you'd expect from a captain, commited and wholehearted right up until his last game (which he could have avoided, bearing in mind an injury might have cost him his move), and no pot shots at the club, or 'off' comments, that led to a build up of speculation during the season.
I don't remember Barry aiming any pot shots at the Villa ever, and how is engineering a move from the club on the quiet showing more respect than Barry who had at least had the honesty to tell Villa fans the reasons he wanted to leave? Milner's move was snide and just everything you'd expect from a mercenary footballer, yet Barry's honestly is met with derision from fans. I'll never understand the modern day football fan. They want honesty from a football player and yet when they get it they're still not happy.
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You didn't read the NOTW article or even hear about it, then?
Milner wanted to leave because of MON's prehistoric approach, playing half fit players and running players into the ground. He didn't have an issue with the club.
I've long accepted for the majority of players it's a job, but if they don't love the club, they can at least respect it. You (weirdly) see Milner's behaviour as snide, I say he did it by the book. Whilst he was still on the clubs payroll, he shouldn't be doing anything to damage the clubs reputation in public.
As for your last response, there is honesty and there is being served up shit, or hit around the face with a wet kipper. You appear to be happier with the latter catergory. So much so, that you'd gladly go back for seconds.
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You didn't read the NOTW article or even hear about it, then?
Milner wanted to leave because of MON's prehistoric approach, playing half fit players and running players into the ground. He didn't have an issue with the club.
I've long accepted for the majority of players it's a job, but if they don't love the club, they can at least respect it. You (weirdly) see Milner's behaviour as snide, I say he did it by the book. Whilst he was still on the clubs payroll, he shouldn't be doing anything to damage the clubs reputation in public.
As for your last response, there is honesty and there is being served up shit, or hit around the face with a wet kipper. You appear to be happier with the latter catergory. So much so, that you'd gladly go back for seconds.
Milner left the club after O'Neill walked, so why on earth are you blaming him for Milner wanting out? And if engineering a move on the quiet is your definition of "by the book" then quite frankly as a fan you deserve all the shit footballers heap onto you.
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Milner wanted to leave after the Chelsea 7-1 game, though this only became known during the summer - whist MON was still here. This didn't oocur back in the deep mists of time, so I'm surprised you're so sketchy on the details.
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I don't think it's right to say Milner wanted to leave the club because of the football mon played- it got him in a final and the England team after all- villa could not compete with the wages on offer at man city and the attraction of playing with some top class players in the champions league.
Call it money or ambition if you wish but to say he wanted to go because of mon is wrong.
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Milner wanted to leave after the Chelsea 7-1 game, though this only became known during the summer - whist MON was still here. This didn't oocur back in the deep mists of time, so I'm surprised you're so sketchy on the details.
But O'Neill had walked before Milner left, so what was his excuse for leaving then? More money. Chances of silverware etc etc? Ahh yeah, the same old shit.
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Milner wanted to leave after the Chelsea 7-1 game, though this only became known during the summer - whist MON was still here. This didn't oocur back in the deep mists of time, so I'm surprised you're so sketchy on the details.
But O'Neill had walked before Milner left, so what was his excuse for leaving then? More money. Chances of silverware etc etc? Ahh yeah, the same old shit.
Exactly that , money and better chance of silverware !
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Milner wanted to leave because Pubehead was playing half fit players in that Chelsea game. As he had done in others. That's what was meant by prehistoric, ie play the first XI come what may. The football was dire too, mind.
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Milner wanted to leave because Pubehead was playing half fit players in that Chelsea game. As he had done in others. That's what was meant by prehistoric, ie play the first XI come what may. The football was dire too, mind.
I don't buy that story .
If he wanted to leave he would have put in a transfer request , if city hadn't come calling i think he would have stayed.
The money and potential trophies were more the reason he left .
He was an England regular and we had a good season that year , the 7-1 was a freak result .
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Milner wanted to leave after the Chelsea 7-1 game, though this only became known during the summer - whist MON was still here. This didn't oocur back in the deep mists of time, so I'm surprised you're so sketchy on the details.
But O'Neill had walked before Milner left, so what was his excuse for leaving then? More money. Chances of silverware etc etc? Ahh yeah, the same old shit.
The deal was in the latter stages then.
I'm sure the pay increase and the chance to play with better players didn't hurt either. But he might not have decided to leave in the first place had he not been made to play whilst injured at Chelsea. That was the root cause of the issue.
Once a player decides his future needs to be elsewhere, it's very hard to convince them otherwise.
What you then hope for in that situation is that any deal is done as quick as possible, with no mud slinging (lack of ambition) talk of 'dream moves' or any other bobbins. Southgate dragged the clubs name through the mud for at least a year, he never rescinded that transfer request -even outside of the transfer window. Barry used the gutter press to try and force a move. So yes, in a lesser of two evils way, I prefer Milner's approach -the approach that causes less damage to the clubs overall image and reputation. But maybe I'm funny that way.
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Milner wanted to leave because Pubehead was playing half fit players in that Chelsea game. As he had done in others. That's what was meant by prehistoric, ie play the first XI come what may. The football was dire too, mind.
I don't buy that story .
If he wanted to leave he would have put in a transfer request , if city hadn't come calling i think he would have stayed.
The money and potential trophies were more the reason he left .
He was an England regular and we had a good season that year , the 7-1 was a freak result .
Buy it, don't buy it.
It came out on here a few days after that game, from someone who knows the family. He had the choice of two moves, but as a Leeds fan, he wouldn't move to Man U.
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Bloody hell what thread is this? I must be lost.
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Where as I thought he was being honest. He wanted a move and he told us, unlike Milner who engineered a move on the quiet. Milner gets the hero treatment and I don't understand it.
I love the way you just pass that off as fact, when there's absolutely no evidence he did anything of the sort.
And the interpretation of Barry's "please let me fulfil my dread of CL football" (which was actually when he wanted a move to Liverpool, the year before, not when he went to Man City) you have decided is "honesty"?
I don't particularly give a shit for either of those players now they no longer play for, and I don't really blame either of them for going, but really don't see how one player moving in a manner which appeared to be a text book case of a transfer taking place (it is rumoured, we hear nothing, it happens) is a deceptive act whereas another player engaging in humiliating front page newspaper nonsense like that, you see as honesty.
I appreciate you think it wrong that Barry gets more stick than other players we've sold, you've maybe got a point on that, but the above just sounds like you're twisting what actually happened to suit your argument.
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If he wanted to leave he would have put in a transfer request , if city hadn't come calling i think he would have stayed.
Footballers need to be at the absolute point of desperation to get away before they'll put in a transfer request these days, as they lose their loyalty bonus. The lack of a transfer request means nothing.
Look how many transfers go through without that happening.
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If he wanted to leave he would have put in a transfer request , if city hadn't come calling i think he would have stayed.
Footballers need to be at the absolute point of desperation to get away before they'll put in a transfer request these days, as they lose their loyalty bonus. The lack of a transfer request means nothing.
Look how many transfers go through without that happening.
Yes but the point made was that he was desperate to leave because of mon to which I find a load of bollocks - he wasnt at that point of desperation to get away.
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I appreciate you think it wrong that Barry gets more stick than other players we've sold, you've maybe got a point on that, but the above just sounds like you're twisting what actually happened to suit your argument.
Barry deserves any stick he gets, IMO. There's a difference between wanting to move on because it feels like its time for a change, I can understand that, but dragging my club's name through the mud and blubbing about it in the national press was bang out of order. I don't begrudge him leaving, but the way he went about things when Liverpool were after him were the actions of a ******. For that alone, he can fuck right off.
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When you agree the Milner stuff is all guesswork
Compare that to James Milner who never said a word in public and engineered a move on the quiet yet is treated as some kind of hero to many Villa fans even though he couldn't wait to get out of the place. Never understood that one.
As for the Milner stuff, that is purely guess work.
As for Milner, well you're right, we'll never know for sure but the fact remains he left the club without a word of explanation as soon as he found some consistent form
Why do you continue posting it as though is is fact?
I don't remember Barry aiming any pot shots at the Villa ever, and how is engineering a move from the club on the quiet showing more respect than Barry who had at least had the honesty to tell Villa fans the reasons he wanted to leave? Milner's move was snide and just everything you'd expect from a mercenary footballer, yet Barry's honestly is met with derision from fans. I'll never understand the modern day football fan. They want honesty from a football player and yet when they get it they're still not happy.
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I think of our four big recent departures Young is the only one who handled his departure well. Whilst I don't feel quite as strongly as s_h about it I'm not really a Milner fan and find the way he is talked about on here difficult to understand. As a footballer he's overrated and he got on his bike after six months good form. I wouldn't have him back because I genuinely believe he wouldn't bring about enough of an improvement to our side. Barry botched his exit and had made other attempts to leave but he did manage to stick it out for a long time and didn't leave at the first opportunity like Milner did. I imagine Barry stuck it out through more than one manager he had a disagreement with. He attempted to leave but changed his mind eventually which should stand for something. I'm not holding Barry up as a beacon of loyalty either. I agree with many of those commenting on this thread about him letting himself down. At the end of the day though, I do agree that Barry and Southgate let themselves down badly with their attempts to leave. That said, they are far from alone in that. See for example Gerrard's attempt to join Chelsea. Loyalty seems difficult to come by in football these days.
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Milner overrated? I don't think so.
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Where as I thought he was being honest. He wanted a move and he told us, unlike Milner who engineered a move on the quiet. Milner gets the hero treatment and I don't understand it.
I love the way you just pass that off as fact, when there's absolutely no evidence he did anything of the sort.
And the interpretation of Barry's "please let me fulfil my dread of CL football" (which was actually when he wanted a move to Liverpool, the year before, not when he went to Man City) you have decided is "honesty"?
I don't particularly give a shit for either of those players now they no longer play for, and I don't really blame either of them for going, but really don't see how one player moving in a manner which appeared to be a text book case of a transfer taking place (it is rumoured, we hear nothing, it happens) is a deceptive act whereas another player engaging in humiliating front page newspaper nonsense like that, you see as honesty.
I appreciate you think it wrong that Barry gets more stick than other players we've sold, you've maybe got a point on that, but the above just sounds like you're twisting what actually happened to suit your argument.
Barry wanted out and we know because he told us so. That's being honest. Milner kept his mouth shut and organised a move as soon as he could and yet he's treated like a hero whenever he returns while the player who gave us 11 years service is treated like a leper. That's hardly me twisting words now is it.
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TBH, compared to the scroteness of Ireland, the arrogance of Bannan, the idiocy of Hutton and the ennui of N'Zogbia, Barry and Milner compare favourably with many modern footballers.
I think we got pretty good service out of both and also got good sell-on fees for them.
Are they worth more endless discussion? - probably not. But feel free to carry on if you wish.
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Weren't the ITK rumours at the time that MON pushed Milner out of the club?
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Milner got kudos for the way he played in his final game for the club, the 3-1 win against West Ham. He knew he was on his way but didn't take it easy. How asking the club for a move can be described as some kind of underhand 'engineering' is beyond me.
Had he suddenly decided to go on the piss every night, became disruptive in the dressing room or wandered gormlessly around the pitch on matchday then yes, but Milner did none of those things.
Barry gets pelters for the pantomime he and more especially his agent created over the move to Liverpool. And rightly so.
Of the four players that left for big money, I don't think any one of them has furthered their football career. They're all a good deal richer though.
As I remember it, Milner's move was delayed until after O'Neill left because Ireland got stroppy with a loyalty payment. I also recall General K. justifying Ireland's arrival with no manager in place by saying that we were already committed to it.
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I agree with Saunders on this one,
there were some seasons when I came away from games thinking Barry was the only thing worth turning up to watch,
he gave us many years service then went on to further his career by winning the league and playing for England more times than he would have playing for us
if a player wants to move and the club wants to keep him then it always gets a bit tetchy, if the club do a quick deal then the player looks good because he doesn't have to kick up a stink, ie Young and Milner, who went as they all go for money and a better chance of winning stuff
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Gareth Barry was an England regular when he left us. Now he no longer even makes the sqaud.
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Of the four players that left for big money, I don't think any one of them has furthered their football career. They're all a good deal richer though.
Hard to argue that Milner and Barry have not furthered their football careers. They have won cup and league winners medals and have played CL football and in international tournaments. Young has also won a league medal and played CL. Admittedly with more of a supporting role. As for Downing he's a c**t, tahts about as coherent an argument I can put together for him
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Gareth Barry was an England regular when he left us. Now he no longer even makes the squad.
Well he is 4 years older, that could have something to do with it. He went to Man City not into suspended animation
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Of the four players that left for big money, I don't think any one of them has furthered their football career. They're all a good deal richer though.
Hard to argue that Milner and Barry have not furthered their football careers. They have won cup and league winners medals and have played CL football and in international tournaments. Young has also won a league medal and played CL. Admittedly with more of a supporting role. As for Downing he's a c**t, tahts about as coherent an argument I can put together for him
Have to agree with every word of this.
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Barry's definitely come off well from that move. He's been a key part of their squad since joining and stayed pretty solid in the one position.
Milner on the other hand has been ruined in my opinion. For me he was fast becoming one of the best central midfielders in the league in his last season here. He was sensational. Since going to City, of course he's had winners medals, shed loads of cash, but he's been more a utility player and rotation option. City fans have probably never quite seen what the fuss is about. Some appreciate his hard work and attitude, but scratch their head regarding the quality. He's largely played as a winger, which he's fairly average at, or occasionally filled in as a second striker, which might potentially have suited him given a consistent run of games, but he's not gonna get that there. He's not had a decent stab in CM for them.
If there's one player I'd take back from the big money exits of the last 5 years, it's Jimmy Milner. Still young, and as long as we put him back where he belongs in CM, he'd flourish again. Won't happen though.
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If there's one player I'd take back from the big money exits of the last 5 years, it's Jimmy Milner. Still young, and as long as we put him back where he belongs in CM, he'd flourish again. Won't happen though.
I think if you gave us all on here that choice, have one of them back, almost every one of us would opt for Milner.
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Barry wanted out and we know because he told us so. That's being honest. Milner kept his mouth shut and organised a move as soon as he could and yet he's treated like a hero whenever he returns while the player who gave us 11 years service is treated like a leper. That's hardly me twisting words now is it.
Well, it is.
Milner was offered a move and took it, just like hundreds of players every year.
Saying he "engineered a move" implies some sort of skullduggery, of which there is zero evidence.
Barry "told us so", yes. He also embarassed us in the press with his begging letter and sad face. I don't hold a grudge for the bloke, he's gone, and good luck to him, but that business in the press is one of the most undignified bits of mental wrangling I've ever seen a Villa player engage in.
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If there's one player I'd take back from the big money exits of the last 5 years, it's Jimmy Milner. Still young, and as long as we put him back where he belongs in CM, he'd flourish again. Won't happen though.
I think if you gave us all on here that choice, have one of them back, almost every one of us would opt for Milner.
Ahead of Downing?! Are you completely mental?!
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Barry wanted out and we know because he told us so. That's being honest. Milner kept his mouth shut and organised a move as soon as he could and yet he's treated like a hero whenever he returns while the player who gave us 11 years service is treated like a leper. That's hardly me twisting words now is it.
Well, it is.
Milner was offered a move and took it, just like hundreds of players every year.
Saying he "engineered a move" implies some sort of skullduggery, of which there is zero evidence.
Barry "told us so", yes. He also embarassed us in the press with his begging letter and sad face. I don't hold a grudge for the bloke, he's gone, and good luck to him, but that business in the press is one of the most undignified bits of mental wrangling I've ever seen a Villa player engage in.
I think the reason he went to the press was because he thought he owed Villa fans an explanation to why he wanted out. I think he had all the best intentions but it backfired on him. I haven't got much time for Milner (even though I wish he was still a Villa player) because he jumped ship after such a relatively short time at the club. Barry gave us good service and I don't think he deserves the stick he gets from some Villa fans.
Mind you both have gone, so feck the pair of 'em.
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We had the best years out of Barry whereas it felt like Milner was just getting started.
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If there's one player I'd take back from the big money exits of the last 5 years, it's Jimmy Milner. Still young, and as long as we put him back where he belongs in CM, he'd flourish again. Won't happen though.
I think if you gave us all on here that choice, have one of them back, almost every one of us would opt for Milner.
Ahead of Downing?! Are you completely mental?!
Exactly. Get Downing back. Two games a season just isn't enough time to boo the ******.
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Of the four players that left for big money, I don't think any one of them has furthered their football career. They're all a good deal richer though.
Hard to argue that Milner and Barry have not furthered their football careers. They have won cup and league winners medals and have played CL football and in international tournaments. Young has also won a league medal and played CL. Admittedly with more of a supporting role. As for Downing he's a c**t, tahts about as coherent an argument I can put together for him
Correct .
Barry has been a regular for city and won the league , fa cup, and played champions league football , he is 4 years older now and lost his England place because hes past his prime - of course he has furthered his career , rather than being in a struggling team for the last 3 seasons.
Milner also has furthered his career too at city where the crowd appreciate his hard work.
As for young he has been so-so at utd and done ok but not looked the player he was at villa, where he stood out more.
Downing after a poor start at anfield was one of the better players last season for them and won Rodgers over.
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Like i said a few pages back, I don't think Milner has become a better footballer for moving there. I can understand why he went there but if and when he does move on, he needs to be somewhere where'll he'll get a regular spot. He's a Lambert type player actually so it would'nt surprise me to see him back at some point.
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We're there rumours that MON pushed Milner out of the club rather than Milner wanting to leave?
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We're there rumours that MON pushed Milner out of the club rather than Milner wanting to leave?
I seem to recall that was the case and was confirmed by pelty at one point. Apparently and this is conjecture Milner had no intention of leaving until MON saw the opportunity for big bucks and leaked it that he wanted to leave which Milner and his agent immediately denied which I definitely remember reading in the papers, so it must be true.
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My mate's sister's hairdresser's boyfriend reckons that Milner was doing MON's missus while Ireland was having it away with Mancini's so that's why there was a swap. That's why Ireland wanders round the middle of the pitch looking lost - he's remembering those holidays in Napoli.
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Bloody hell what thread is this? I must be lost.
quite. it's turned into some sort of Milner/Barry debating chamber. Folk will be posting their experiences of poor sh*thouse etiquette next
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Of the four players that left for big money, I don't think any one of them has furthered their football career. They're all a good deal richer though.
Hard to argue that Milner and Barry have not furthered their football careers. They have won cup and league winners medals and have played CL football and in international tournaments. Young has also won a league medal and played CL. Admittedly with more of a supporting role. As for Downing he's a c**t, tahts about as coherent an argument I can put together for him
Depends upon how much of a footballing achievement you consider those medals alone to be. None of them will regret their moves, the medals are worth having. But they have not furthered their careers as footballers.
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We're there rumours that MON pushed Milner out of the club rather than Milner wanting to leave?
I seem to recall that was the case and was confirmed by pelty at one point. Apparently and this is conjecture Milner had no intention of leaving until MON saw the opportunity for big bucks and leaked it that he wanted to leave which Milner and his agent immediately denied which I definitely remember reading in the papers, so it must be true.
I'd like that to be true, but the only thing in there that casts doubt on it for me is the notion that MON would have given a second's thought to raising money by selling players.
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We're there rumours that MON pushed Milner out of the club rather than Milner wanting to leave?
I seem to recall that was the case and was confirmed by pelty at one point. Apparently and this is conjecture Milner had no intention of leaving until MON saw the opportunity for big bucks and leaked it that he wanted to leave which Milner and his agent immediately denied which I definitely remember reading in the papers, so it must be true.
I'd like that to be true, but the only thing in there that casts doubt on it for me is the notion that MON would have given a second's thought to raising money by selling players.
When you consider that was the summer Lerner tightened the budget up, where we had that article about 6 players being allowed to go (NRC, Davies, Shorey, Harewood and I forget the rest) and he eventually walked out over what appears to be money/control, then perhaps it seems more likely?
The scenario being he's told at the start of the summer he needs to sell. Tries to get rid of the deadwood, but can't as he's paying them too much. Then the Man City/Milner interest starts and he sees that as his 'get out of jail free card' due to the over the top fee he can get from them.
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Of the four players that left for big money, I don't think any one of them has furthered their football career. They're all a good deal richer though.
Hard to argue that Milner and Barry have not furthered their football careers. They have won cup and league winners medals and have played CL football and in international tournaments. Young has also won a league medal and played CL. Admittedly with more of a supporting role. As for Downing he's a c**t, tahts about as coherent an argument I can put together for him
Depends upon how much of a footballing achievement you consider those medals alone to be. None of them will regret their moves, the medals are worth having. But they have not furthered their careers as footballers.
Barry became an integral part of Man City's trophy winning team and continued to be an England international. He's getting on a bit now but I don't see how you can claim he hasn't furthered his career. Milner's different though, he may have medals but he's only playing here and there. He certainly hasn't furthered his career.
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I'd argue Milner has gone backwards as a player. He was emerging as 'the new Gerrard' for me in central midfield, but since going to Man City has rarely played there, if ever.
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I'd argue Milner has gone backwards as a player. He was emerging as 'the new Gerrard' for me in central midfield, but since going to Man City has rarely played there, if ever.
Yes. He should have stayed put at Villa. If he was forced out at Villa I doubt if it was by O'Neill. More like a combination of Milner wanting a move and Lerner wanting to cash in.
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For all O Neill's faults he's no idiot. He fawned all over Milner since he joined. There's no way he'd have decided to get rid of our player of the year for the good of the team. We got an offer Lerner couldn't refuse, and that probably turned Milners head too. I believe O Neill left, in large but down to the Milner deal.
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I'd argue Milner has gone backwards as a player. He was emerging as 'the new Gerrard' for me in central midfield, but since going to Man City has rarely played there, if ever.
I agreed with a Leeds fan on this very fact yesterday!
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I'd argue Milner has gone backwards as a player. He was emerging as 'the new Gerrard' for me in central midfield, but since going to Man City has rarely played there, if ever.
I would'nt say he's gone backwards exactly, he just has'nt moved on from where he was. Was'nt he voted in the team of the season prior to leaving us? Yeah, he was great in that centre midfield for us. Whenever i see him out wide for them and England, it just seems like a waste.
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I'd argue Milner has gone backwards as a player. He was emerging as 'the new Gerrard' for me in central midfield, but since going to Man City has rarely played there, if ever.
I would'nt say he's gone backwards exactly, he just has'nt moved on from where he was. Was'nt he voted in the team of the season prior to leaving us? Yeah, he was great in that centre midfield for us. Whenever i see him out wide for them and England, it just seems like a waste.
I'd agree with that clampy , he looked better in centre midfield for us although he does play a fair amount of games for city and their fans seem to rate him highly due to his always giving a 100% which several city players seem not to do.
He could have progressed at villa as a player but i understand why he went to city .
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For all O Neill's faults he's no idiot.
You don't have to be an idiot to make stupid choices - and he made plenty.
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I'd argue Milner has gone backwards as a player. He was emerging as 'the new Gerrard' for me in central midfield, but since going to Man City has rarely played there, if ever.
I would'nt say he's gone backwards exactly, he just has'nt moved on from where he was. Was'nt he voted in the team of the season prior to leaving us? Yeah, he was great in that centre midfield for us. Whenever i see him out wide for them and England, it just seems like a waste.
I'd agree with that clampy , he looked better in centre midfield for us although he does play a fair amount of games for city and their fans seem to rate him highly due to his always giving a 100% which several city players seem not to do.
He could have progressed at villa as a player but i understand why he went to city .
The waste of Jimmy's talents is one of my bugbears. He has no real reason to regret his move, championship & FA cup medals, regular for England, but he was sensational for us in centre midfield in his final season and as far as I know has never been played there since.
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again complete pie in the sky, but the icing on the cake this summer would be to have him back in midfield coupled with all of these exciting new young kids that are joining us. With the possible exception of getting another more senior head at CB, we would have one of the best spines in the league with Guzan, Milner and Benteke. And even Okore and Vlaar isn't bad at all.
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I have no interest whatsoever in what James Milner is doing now and what Gareth Barry is doing now. I have no interest in what might have been. They used to be Villa players. Now they aren't. End of.
This, on the other hand, is a thread about Stiliyan Petrov, who is still associated with Villa.
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At Wycombe, the Villa fans conducted the 19th minute applause. Now that Stan's illness is in remission and he has joined the coaching staff, is it appropriate or inappropriate to end this admirable acknowledgement?
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At Wycombe, the Villa fans conducted the 19th minute applause. Now that Stan's illness is in remission and he has joined the coaching staff, is it appropriate or inappropriate to end this admirable acknowledgement?
I would like to see it retired now, Stan knows how much we love him.
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At Wycombe, the Villa fans conducted the 19th minute applause. Now that Stan's illness is in remission and he has joined the coaching staff, is it appropriate or inappropriate to end this admirable acknowledgement?
end it now.
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I agree that it should not be carried on this season, whilst appreciating what a marvellous thing it was last.
However, as has been shown today, there are some who will continue and they will be joined by others who will feel they are being disrespectful if they do not join in. I think Stan should make a statement thanking the fans but asking for them to put all their effort into getting behind the team during the coming season.
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has Stan set up his foundation yet does anyone know?
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http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3419582,00.html
Understandable after such a serious illness.Love Lambert's comment about Stan always having a place at the Club.
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Completely understandable, get well soon Stan.
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Get well soon Stan, thanks for staying part of the Villa family, and when you feel up to it I hope you will be back coaching the youngsters!
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just read the report of Stan taking sometime off and get well soon Skipper.
some great comments at the bottom of the page on the BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23774545
UTV
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Just a little update
Stan and family (http://twitter.com/StanPetrov19/status/414161855662534657/photo/1)
Enjoy Christmas Stan. Hope to see you back at the club soon
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Brilliant, thanks TV.
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His lad is the absolute spit of him. There'll be no Jeremy Kyle DNA testing in the Petrov household! ha ha.
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His lad looks like the kid out The Wonder Years.
Lovely picture though.
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A wonderful picture, makes you realise what's really important.
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Stiliyan Petrov and a host of other ex-Villa stars are set to take to the field at Boldmere St Michaels for a charity match in aid of the former skipper's new foundation.
Petrov, who was forced to retire from professional football last season following a battle with leukaemia, will lace up his boots on Sunday March 9 when a Rigga & Petrov XI take on the Villa Lions & Legends.
The Bulgarian's team will feature a number of former Premier League stars including Julian Joachin and Alan Wright.
Meanwhile, Steve Staunton, Bryan Small and European Cup-winning aces Ken McNaught, Gary Shaw, Nigel Spink, Tony Morley, Des Dremner and Gordon Cowans are among those expected to turn out for the Lions & Legends.
The match - which is sponsored by Birmingham-based accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young - takes place at the Trevor Brown Memorial Stadium, Boldmere.
Kick-off is at 2pm but other activities such as a charity auction, raffle and entertainment are taking place throughout the day.
Entry is £4 for adults and £1 for children.
For more information contact Stephen Rigby on 07791743767.
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Stiliyan Petrov and a host of other ex-Villa stars are set to take to the field at Boldmere St Michaels for a charity match in aid of the former skipper's new foundation.
Petrov, who was forced to retire from professional football last season following a battle with leukaemia, will lace up his boots on Sunday March 9 when a Rigga & Petrov XI take on the Villa Lions & Legends.
The Bulgarian's team will feature a number of former Premier League stars including Julian Joachin and Alan Wright.
Meanwhile, Steve Staunton, Bryan Small and European Cup-winning aces Ken McNaught, Gary Shaw, Nigel Spink, Tony Morley, Des Dremner and Gordon Cowans are among those expected to turn out for the Lions & Legends.
The match - which is sponsored by Birmingham-based accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young - takes place at the Trevor Brown Memorial Stadium, Boldmere.
Kick-off is at 2pm but other activities such as a charity auction, raffle and entertainment are taking place throughout the day.
Entry is £4 for adults and £1 for children.
For more information contact Stephen Rigby on 07791743767.
Anyone know what parking is like for this place? I assume it'd be street parking mainly but is there anywhere else me and friends will be able to park up?
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Parking is absolutely awful! When the youth team played there per-season last year, it turned into a total road block, and no-one was going anywhere for about half an hour. It wasn't just hard to park, it was really easy to get completely stuck. If you are driving, get there early, and park a little way away.
It is a 10-15 minute walk from the cross city line at Chester Road or or Wylde Green.
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Ok, thanks Amfy.
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Looking forward to this next Sunday. I think Ugo Ehiogu might be turning out too.
Should be a good day.
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Stan played a full 90 minutes and scored a penalty today! A great afternoon out in the sunshine.
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Stan played a full 90 minutes and scored a penalty today! A great afternoon out in the sunshine.
get him back into the first team at VP!
Ta for the update, amfy.
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It was indeed a smashing day. I really enjoyed it and an excellent turnout.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/former-aston-villa-captain-stiliyan-6790928
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Ended up parking on the street near the Bishop Vesey pub. Good day out and great weather for it too.
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It was indeed a smashing day. I really enjoyed it and an excellent turnout.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/former-aston-villa-captain-stiliyan-6790928
Great pictures, lovely to see Joachim, Alan Wright, Lee H, Merse and the like alongside the more familar Tony Morley and Sid
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looks like only Lee stayed away from the pies after his career ended :)
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Posts like these disgust me. Until Aston Villa are able to put out two teams of ex-pros, all of whom I'd happily nosh off, I will continue to call for Lerner, Lambert and Faulkner to leave. Fat middle-aged former players? We've truly become a laughing stock.
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Posts like these disgust me. Until Aston Villa are able to put out two teams of ex-pros, all of whom I'd happily nosh off, I will continue to call for Lerner, Lambert and Faulkner to leave. Fat middle-aged former players? We've truly become a laughing stock.
How low have we fallen?
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i'm amazed Oadby allowed Joachim to play in a friendly
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Merse was looking a little trimmer than he has done in recent years to be fair to him. In fact he might have been even bigger at the tail end of his playing days IIRC.
Sign him up. He's a free agent!
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Former Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov 'like a little kid' again (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30067565)
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Great news.
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Great stuff.
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Good on ya Stan.
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Brought a lump to my throat, in a good way.
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Lovely to see , very moving and wholly inspirational.
What a fantastic guy Stan is .
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That bloke is a true inspiration to every single one of us. And he's one of our family.
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It's...just so...dusty in this room...something in my eyes....
Absolute class act. Top bloke. Will go down as one of Villas great Mr Nice guys. Delighted to see him playing again.
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The hug in the dressing room with the woman who has lost her partner to the same disease was a real tear jerker. There are some really wonderful people in this world and he has to be one of them. Really moved by that clip.
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Former Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov 'like a little kid' again (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30067565)
Beautiful. Thanks for posting.
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*applauds*
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Kudos to him indeed, but also to others who've fought that battle and won, including one or two from this site. And also to the ones who lost their loved ones to that battle and who have to continue without them.
Until it happens to me I'll not know how I'll face up to those battles.
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Just spoke to my mate who played against his team today he couldn't praise stan enough, after the game he come into the dressing room and shook everyone's hand then had a few drinks after and had photos with anyone who wanted 1. Top bloke
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Good piece!
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Stan Petrov feels 'alive again'. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30597161)
Apologies if already posted.
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That's wonderful to see. What a class act he is. Thanks for posting.
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Ace. Thank you.
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Words seem inadequate.
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Wonderful.
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It's great to see him looking and sounding so well. It is wonderful to see Stan looking healthy again.
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Did anyone catch him on the Russell Howard show a few weeks back? Loved the fact that he was so positive about how the 19th minute tribute really helped.
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That's wonderful to see. What a class act he is. Thanks for posting.
That's exactly what he is, a class act.
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You can only admire and be inspired by him.
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http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/look-villa-icon-stiliyan-petrov-8440657
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Absolutely superb.
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http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/look-villa-icon-stiliyan-petrov-8440657
Look at their little faces!
That's brought a tear to my eye and cheered me up no end
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Petrov is a real inspiration.
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Did anyone catch him on the Russell Howard show a few weeks back? Loved the fact that he was so positive about how the 19th minute tribute really helped.
This was repeated in Howard's best of last week. Tremendous.
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That interview is still on BBC iplayer until Saturday.
Russell Howard, series 9, episode 8, about 16mins in.
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It's good to hear that we'll win 3-1 too.
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
Well done Tim great that Stan is coming back home
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
Really pleased to hear Petrov will be getting involved again, but what exactly does this mean? Will this be a coaching sort of role?
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
Why oh why oh why do footballers and managers INSIST on that superfluous word "football" in this context?
As if we don't realise he's not talking about a bingo club or a working men's club or something.
It drives me nuts.
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
Why oh why oh why do footballers and managers INSIST on that superfluous word "football" in this context?
As if we don't realise he's not talking about a bingo club or a working men's club or something.
It drives me nuts.
If that gets you going you'd go mental living out here. More than any other sport, NFL players/coaches/announcers/analysts etc etc insist on calling the NFL, The National Football League. Like they have to say the entire thing all the time. That and in studio, ex players simply cannot exercise basic sentences as part of conversation without having a "football" in their hands. It's like those people who are despite trying to give up smoking simply need to have something in their yellow fingers out of habit.
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great news by the way
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
Why oh why oh why do footballers and managers INSIST on that superfluous word "football" in this context?
As if we don't realise he's not talking about a bingo club or a working men's club or something.
It drives me nuts.
It's obligatory for any Liverpool fan calling a radio phone in to addd the suffix eg: "Dey do do don't dey do, it's not goodynuff for Liverpool Football Club"
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Great news. Sherwood's certainly got his PR in order, hasn't he?
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
Why oh why oh why do footballers and managers INSIST on that superfluous word "football" in this context?
As if we don't realise he's not talking about a bingo club or a working men's club or something.
It drives me nuts.
I would say in the grand scheme of things, there are far worse things to get upset about.
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
Why oh why oh why do footballers and managers INSIST on that superfluous word "football" in this context?
As if we don't realise he's not talking about a bingo club or a working men's club or something.
It drives me nuts.
I would say in the grand scheme of things, there are far worse things to get upset about.
You're wrong. This is the worst and most upsetting thing ever. Fact.
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
Why oh why oh why do footballers and managers INSIST on that superfluous word "football" in this context?
As if we don't realise he's not talking about a bingo club or a working men's club or something.
It drives me nuts.
I would say in the grand scheme of things, there are far worse things to get upset about.
You're wrong. This is the worst and most upsetting thing ever. Fact.
It's obviously not that bad since you didn't even shout FACT.
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what a pathetic attempt at using a FACT....
FACT !
UTV
The Doc
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This bloke knows his facts
(http://basstunedtored.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/rafas-rant-context-image.jpg)
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This bloke knows his facts
(http://basstunedtored.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/rafas-rant-context-image.jpg)
This, on the other hand, is a fat c**t.
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This bloke knows his facts
(http://basstunedtored.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/rafas-rant-context-image.jpg)
This, on the other hand, is a fat c**t.
not a nice way to talk about David Gest....
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
Why oh why oh why do footballers and managers INSIST on that superfluous word "football" in this context?
As if we don't realise he's not talking about a bingo club or a working men's club or something.
It drives me nuts.
You're a very weird man.
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
Why oh why oh why do footballers and managers INSIST on that superfluous word "football" in this context?
As if we don't realise he's not talking about a bingo club or a working men's club or something.
It drives me nuts.
You're a very weird man.
I agree with paulie (that's twice in one day now).
The superfluous "football" has crept in to common usage in the past couple of years. I associate it with Pulis and Moyes.
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Excellent news.
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Excellent addition you our 'soccer' club.....
Runs very fast away from Paulie!
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Sir Brian used to say 'football club' a lot. Of course, he can say or do whatever the fuck he likes.
For sure.
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
Why oh why oh why do footballers and managers INSIST on that superfluous word "football" in this context?
As if we don't realise he's not talking about a bingo club or a working men's club or something.
It drives me nuts.
You're a very weird man.
I agree with paulie (that's twice in one day now).
The superfluous "football" has crept in to common usage in the past couple of years. I associate it with Pulis and Moyes.
My personal gripe is the sudden need for players, managers and punditsto refer to good players as 'top,top players'.
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I really like what Sherwood said about Stan coming back. That Stan can essentially offer some perspective on things, given everything he has been through the past couple of years, on the importance of life more than football. And that he hasn't just brought him in as a mascot but more on the technical aspects that he will bring to the staff.
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Can we get a one off 19th minute applause on Saturday? Would really get the atmosphere ramping up and a good way to welcome him back to the football club.
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Has he done any coaching badges does anyone know?
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Can we get a one off 19th minute applause on Saturday? Would really get the atmosphere ramping up and a good way to welcome him back to the football club.
Not sure it is needed either for Stan or to get the atmosphere going.
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Wonderful news, Stan will have a huge impact!
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PETROV RETURNS: Tim Sherwood confirms that Stan Petrov will return to Villa.
Stan will come back to work with the first team.
Sherwood said: "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."
Why oh why oh why do footballers and managers INSIST on that superfluous word "football" in this context?
As if we don't realise he's not talking about a bingo club or a working men's club or something.
It drives me nuts.
The same can be said about people who write "thread" at the end of a thread title.
For example "The 2015 transfer thread" What is wrong with "2015 transfers". We know it's a thread. Drives me nuts.
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Match
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Pre-Match
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Post-Match
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Every time I hear the name Petrov, I am reminded of countless match threads where there was much groaning about crab-like passing. Am I a bad person?
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Every time I hear the name Petrov, I am reminded of countless match threads where there was much groaning about crab-like passing. Am I a bad person?
No.
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Every time I hear the name Petrov, I am reminded of countless match threads where there was much groaning about crab-like passing. Am I a bad person?
No.
If a bit flamboyant.
You were asking.
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Every time I hear the name Petrov, I am reminded of countless match threads where there was much groaning about crab-like passing. Am I a bad person?
No. Not at all.
I am very pleased he is clearly getting better but less pleased he is coming back in a coaching role. It didnt work out last time and I see no reason to think it will this one. If the club wants to have him around an ambassadorial kind of role might be more suitable.
Again, I have no beef with Stan and am very proud of our support of him during his illness but an unproven coach is the last thing we need right now.
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and yet some people would love to see Martin Laursen back at the club, even as far as suggest manager when things looked most bleak. You might be right off course and none of us know how this will work out, or his ability as a coach. But after this many years in the game, many as a team captain he's going to picked things up if nothing else. And sometimes it's important to have smart people around as a leader, even people smarter than yourself. Stan is a smart man and he'll be able to identify things in games that will help.
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I'm really not sure about this. Sherwood is coming in with a bang, saying the right things, adding ex employees and ex-Villa men into the backroom team and getting a feelgood factor. Whilst that is welcome I just can't shake the feeling that its akin to coming up on some illicit drug and then we'll hit a high. It won't be too long before the come down though and the realisation that it was just a short-term fix.
it may be all that we need this season. It may still end up going wrong. We're in the media's eyes again which I always like. But , I'm just a bit ambivalent towards the direction we're going. fast and furious behind the scene, media soundbites and press hanging off his titbits, appointments to please fans. Inspired or just 'appy 'arry blaze of glory?
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I was sceptical at Sherwood when he was appointed, but have been impressed by him so far and do not think he would have brought in Petrov purely as a cheerleader or someone to appease the fans. Furthermore, I do not think that Stan would have come in if that had been the case.
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Sir Brian used to say 'football club' a lot. Of course, he can say or do whatever the fuck he likes.
For sure.
Very good, Percy. :)
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Well done Stan..
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/aston-villa-hero-stiliyan-petrov-5496519 (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/aston-villa-hero-stiliyan-petrov-5496519)
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Top Man Stan, congratulations. Plus a referee in shades, how cool is that!
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Top Man Stan, congratulations. Plus a referee in shades, how cool is that!
An extremely fat referee as well.
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Fantastic
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Delighted for Stan. What a feeling that must be. Hopefully that's a good omen for us this season because McGrath knows we could do with lifting a trophy too.
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Well done Stan!
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This may be a stupid question but is he working at Villa now? I know Tim said he was on board but I don't think I've seen him in the dugout or is that because he's only doing part time work with the U21's or something...I don't know.
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This may be a stupid question but is he working at Villa now? I know Tim said he was on board but I don't think I've seen him in the dugout or is that because he's only doing part time work with the U21's or something...I don't know.
Says in the article that he's doing bits and pieces with the first team, but not every day.
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This may be a stupid question but is he working at Villa now? I know Tim said he was on board but I don't think I've seen him in the dugout or is that because he's only doing part time work with the U21's or something...I don't know.
Says in the article that he's doing bits and pieces with the first team, but not every day.
Ah right. Do you reckon it might be full time next season if all goes well with him?
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Not sure if this has been posted:
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/stiliyan-petrov-interview-to-be-able-to-play-again-is-something-you-cant-describe-10286025.html
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Theres a great stiliyan petrov special on BT sports at the moment.
Its emotional thou
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The Sky sports special was really good - the love he has for his wife, his kids and the villa is clear to see
I actually passed the HGV lorry today with the "Support Stan" picture on the side on the Northbound M6
I still love the tackle he put on the Ladyboy at our place - hard but fair
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I like that he had enough perception about him that he knew Downing was a weasel before anybody else and broke the ****** foot.
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He was interviewed on R5 today - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02xkmw9
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Interview today says he is fit wants to play for us again
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He's 36, could he really get back to anything near the player he was before?
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He's 36, could he really get back to anything near the player he was before?
Nope. But I'd still happily take somebody who was two-thirds of what he was at his best for next season.
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It's probably a pipe dream, but would be amazing to have him round the team if he can get back to fitness. I would hate for it to sour the memories though if he's not up to it.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stiliyan-petrov-want-play-aston-11243344
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He's 36, could he really get back to anything near the player he was before?
Probably not. But as a good influence to have around the place, to play around half the games, to bring the youngsters along, even just as a good news story to give everyone a lift, he could be invaluable.
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Get him registered and in the team for Newcastle!!
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He's the sort of old head that might be useful for 15/20 minutes as a sub or an hour at home games next season. Experience and class, plus his arse would win us a number of free kicks to whip balls in for Gestede.
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That's a truly heartwarming story.
Even if he's only half the player he was, he'd be a quantum leap in improvement from the tossers we have now.
Kusmet Stan.
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You know, there are few things that get me emotional in football. The idea of Stan leading us back to promotion next season is the stuff of Hollywood fairy tales. It would be incredible, and even half the player he was in front of the back 4 in that division, he would be worth his weight in gold.
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Thats a big ask to get anywhere near fit for the championship ..but can you imagine the lift to the team if he was in the middle of the pitch playing again...
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His health is far too precious to even contemplate returning to the rigors of professional football. Stay where you are Stan, as appealing as it is.
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He knows his own health better than anyone, and if he thinks he could get back I'd like to see us give him a chance. It would be great just to have him involved with the club again.
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He knows his own health better than anyone, and if he thinks he could get back I'd like to see us give him a chance. It would be great just to have him involved with the club again.
Even if he is just at training, that would be a great lift to the team. And he's probably more keen to get fit than some we could mention.
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Get him registered and in the team for Newcastle!!
He could replace Gestede or Guzan and we wouldn't be any worse off, that's for sure!
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He knows his own health better than anyone, and if he thinks he could get back I'd like to see us give him a chance. It would be great just to have him involved with the club again.
Sorry Monty, for possibly the first time I have to disagree with your post. Cancer of any form is too insidious to fuck about with. I accept your point about him knowing his own health but, imo it's too risky. I'm not saying he should let it dictate fully how he lives his life but, why, at that age; would you even consider it?
Years ago, a friend who had been given the all-clear from cancer decided to play indoor football. He got a knock and the cancer returned and the medical professionals attributed it directly to the knock he'd received, he died. Maybe this has stuck with me and clouded my judgement.
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Put him in goal
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He knows his own health better than anyone, and if he thinks he could get back I'd like to see us give him a chance. It would be great just to have him involved with the club again.
Sorry Monty, for possibly the first time I have to disagree with your post. Cancer of any form is too insidious to fuck about with. I accept your point about him knowing his own health but, imo it's too risky. I'm not saying he should let it dictate fully how he lives his life but, why, at that age; would you even consider it?
Years ago, a friend who had been given the all-clear from cancer decided to play indoor football. He got a knock and the cancer returned and the medical professionals attributed it directly to the knock he'd received, he died. Maybe this has stuck with me and clouded my judgement.
I never knew cancer could return because of that? Would have thought decent exercise would be good. Seem to remember something about Bob Marley and the way he got cancer, can't remember.
Is it really that much of a risk? He's been playing football anyway.
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It's a romantic idea but he shouldn't even consider it imo. It's over 4 years since he last played a competitive game, he's 37 soon. Just enjoy life Stan.
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I played with him the week before last, and though he looks healthy I'd say he's some way off playing pro again.
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Lovely idea but sadly just wishful thinking on his part & the majority of the fans.
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It's a romantic idea but he shouldn't even consider it imo. It's over 4 years since he last played a competitive game, he's 37 soon. Just enjoy life Stan.
Maybe he just enjoys playing? He might never be good enough to play anywhere near the top level (or for us), but he might be able to play lower down the league or non-league if he gets his fitness up. If he gets a kick out of it, why not?
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Impact sub. Good guy to have around next year (right attitude, positive mentality, etc). Stupid not too.
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He knows his own health better than anyone, and if he thinks he could get back I'd like to see us give him a chance. It would be great just to have him involved with the club again.
Sorry Monty, for possibly the first time I have to disagree with your post. Cancer of any form is too insidious to fuck about with. I accept your point about him knowing his own health but, imo it's too risky. I'm not saying he should let it dictate fully how he lives his life but, why, at that age; would you even consider it?
Years ago, a friend who had been given the all-clear from cancer decided to play indoor football. He got a knock and the cancer returned and the medical professionals attributed it directly to the knock he'd received, he died. Maybe this has stuck with me and clouded my judgement.
Dave, obviously what happened to your friend was tragic but cancer is such a broad and varied condition you cannot apply a one size fits all approach to long term outcomes. Petrov suffered a similar illness to me and the long term prognosis is also similar; each year post treatment reduces the risks of it returning. He might struggle to get himself up to the level of fitness required but all power to him for trying. I haven't tried professional football but I am back to being capable of pretty much everything I was pre illness (defending lame duck Villa managers excepted).
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It's a romantic idea but he shouldn't even consider it imo. It's over 4 years since he last played a competitive game, he's 37 soon. Just enjoy life Stan.
Maybe he just enjoys playing? He might never be good enough to play anywhere near the top level (or for us), but he might be able to play lower down the league or non-league if he gets his fitness up. If he gets a kick out of it, why not?
Because I wrote that about him playing for us again. Even at a half decent non league level I reckon he'd struggle at his age and after so long out. If he wants to try I wish him well and hope he does ok, but sadly I don't think he will.
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I agree with PWS, Petrov will be 37 when the new season comes round, playing at Championship level after the years he's had to have off will be too much. I'd be impressed if he could go back in even at League 2 standard.
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He knows his own health better than anyone, and if he thinks he could get back I'd like to see us give him a chance. It would be great just to have him involved with the club again.
Sorry Monty, for possibly the first time I have to disagree with your post. Cancer of any form is too insidious to fuck about with. I accept your point about him knowing his own health but, imo it's too risky. I'm not saying he should let it dictate fully how he lives his life but, why, at that age; would you even consider it?
Years ago, a friend who had been given the all-clear from cancer decided to play indoor football. He got a knock and the cancer returned and the medical professionals attributed it directly to the knock he'd received, he died. Maybe this has stuck with me and clouded my judgement.
Dave, obviously what happened to your friend was tragic but cancer is such a broad and varied condition you cannot apply a one size fits all approach to long term outcomes. Petrov suffered a similar illness to me and the long term prognosis is also similar; each year post treatment reduces the risks of it returning. He might struggle to get himself up to the level of fitness required but all power to him for trying. I haven't tried professional football but I am back to being capable of pretty much everything I was pre illness (defending lame duck Villa managers excepted).
Chris, I think I may have alluded to it before and I don't mind saying it again: I am absolutely delighted with your progress and long may it continue until full health is restored. I take your point, as I did with Monty's original that cancer isn't that simple but only you know how you, and fellow sufferers' themselves feel healthwise. It's just that I've seen so much of it and am ultra cautious when it comes to giving it an opportunity to re-visit. Please take care of yourself mate.
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I agree with PWS, Petrov will be 37 when the new season comes round, playing at Championship level after the years he's had to have off will be too much. I'd be impressed if he could go back in even at League 2 standard.
Football wise he hasn't got 37 year old legs though
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It's a romantic idea but he shouldn't even consider it imo. It's over 4 years since he last played a competitive game, he's 37 soon. Just enjoy life Stan.
To be fair, Lance Armstrong, returned from cancer and won the Tour De France in around 3 years. Sure, he was heavily drug aided, but so was everyone else in the field.
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Armstrong was in his mid 20s, had less than 18 months out the sport and was doping. Which is a bit different to Stan's situation.
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He knows his own health better than anyone, and if he thinks he could get back I'd like to see us give him a chance. It would be great just to have him involved with the club again.
Sorry Monty, for possibly the first time I have to disagree with your post. Cancer of any form is too insidious to fuck about with. I accept your point about him knowing his own health but, imo it's too risky. I'm not saying he should let it dictate fully how he lives his life but, why, at that age; would you even consider it?
Years ago, a friend who had been given the all-clear from cancer decided to play indoor football. He got a knock and the cancer returned and the medical professionals attributed it directly to the knock he'd received, he died. Maybe this has stuck with me and clouded my judgement.
Dave, obviously what happened to your friend was tragic but cancer is such a broad and varied condition you cannot apply a one size fits all approach to long term outcomes. Petrov suffered a similar illness to me and the long term prognosis is also similar; each year post treatment reduces the risks of it returning. He might struggle to get himself up to the level of fitness required but all power to him for trying. I haven't tried professional football but I am back to being capable of pretty much everything I was pre illness (defending lame duck Villa managers excepted).
Chris, I think I may have alluded to it before and I don't mind saying it again: I am absolutely delighted with your progress and long may it continue until full health is restored. I take your point, as I did with Monty's original that cancer isn't that simple but only you know how you, and fellow sufferers' themselves feel healthwise. It's just that I've seen so much of it and am ultra cautious when it comes to giving it an opportunity to re-visit. Please take care of yourself mate.
Cheers, Dave. The rule of thumb is that two years post treatment it is a 95% probability that it will not come back so he is well past that so he can move forward with relative confidence.
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I'm no Oncologist, but I am a doctor, and playing football is not going to make Stiliyan Petrov's Leukemia to return
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It's obviously massively unlikely that he could get back to elite level, particularly at his age. But I hope the club give him every chance to prove he can and wouldn't it be fucking brilliant if he did?
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Let him train with the club in pre-season. Give him a couple of runouts and see what happens. If he's still got it in him, then do pay as you play. If not, then see if he wants to remain as a coach. Whatever happens I'd love Stan to be back at the club.
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I'm no Oncologist, but I am a doctor, and playing football is not going to make Stiliyan Petrov's Leukemia to return
Thank you for that. It's appreciated.
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It's obviously massively unlikely that he could get back to elite level, particularly at his age. But I hope the club give him every chance to prove he can and wouldn't it be fucking brilliant if he did?
Wouldn't it just?
Just the fact that Stan feels well and positive enough to consider it is brilliant. It really has brightened my day.
Chemotherapy takes a toll on your body, even given a successful outcome. Physically you're never quite the same again. I know.
But hey, the guys fit, healthy and positive.
That's all that really matters.
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I'm no Oncologist, but I am a doctor, and playing football is not going to make Stiliyan Petrov's Leukemia to return
Thank you for that. It's appreciated.
No need to get over emotional with the post. You're friend was unlucky and his story is tragic, but let me tell you Leukemia is a very unique strand of that dreadful disease and if Stiliyan has had the green light to resume physical activity then there is very little risk to him returning to professional football in terms of the disease returning.
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Thanks again. While you're on, would you take a look at this on my... :)
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Wouldn't it be up to the new manager, whenever we get one? Stan is now in his late thirties and in my opinion would be better suited to a training role. Perhaps he needs the money only he knows the answer to that question. Whatever he does I hope he achieves some level of success.
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My much loved wife was diagnosed with multiple location cancer and I was taken aside and told that six months was as much survival as she could expect. That was 32 years ago. We have just returned from holiday in searing heat where she walked me off my feet every day. I can't speak for anybody else but the chaemo, radiation and surgery have made her indestructible. I hope Stan is blessed with the same iron constitution. Anyway, I would give him Guzan's place in a heartbeat.
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Thanks again. While you're on, would you take a look at this on my... :)
Sorry.....Haven't got my magnifying glass;-)
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Wouldn't it be up to the new manager, whenever we get one? Stan is now in his late thirties and in my opinion would be better suited to a training role. Perhaps he needs the money only he knows the answer to that question. Whatever he does I hope he achieves some level of success.
It's highly unlikely he would 'need the money ' mate, and as I've said, he hasn't had 4 hard premier league seasons in his legs.
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Sounds as though he's fitter than Gabby already!
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If it's Stan's dream to play professional football again, let him follow his dream. He might not make it, but he'll inspire a lot of people. The man has balls of steel. Good on him.
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If it's Stan's dream to play professional football again, let him follow his dream. He might not make it, but he'll inspire a lot of people. The man has balls of steel. Good on him.
Totally agree & superbly put.
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The very best of luck to him, time will tell how far he can go. If that is far enough to wear a first team shirt again for us, that would be the best news from Villa Park for years.
On a practical level are there any implications as regards insurance payments that may have been received when he retired? I would hate to think that he was denied a chance of a contract if he was good enough because the Club had to pay back the proceeds of a claim.
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I'd love the opportunity to applaud him onto the pitch again. It's often said that there is no room for sentimentality in football, but after putting up with the very worst in our history to see a player who genuinely cares about the badge on his shirt would be a blessed relief.
Good luck to you Stan.
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Sounds as though he's fitter than Gabby already!
Who isn't?
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I'd love the opportunity to applaud him onto the pitch again. It's often said that there is no room for sentimentality in football, but after putting up with the very worst in our history to see a player who genuinely cares about the badge on his shirt would be a blessed relief.
Good luck to you Stan.
That's very well put and I totally agree.
Good luck Stan.
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I'd love the opportunity to applaud him onto the pitch again. It's often said that there is no room for sentimentality in football, but after putting up with the very worst in our history to see a player who genuinely cares about the badge on his shirt would be a blessed relief.
Good luck to you Stan.
Spot on.
However unlikely, wouldn't it be wonderful to see him in a Villa shirt again.
A true professional, gentleman & warrior, unlike most of our current squad.
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It's fair to say, he has the entire villa family rooting for him, if there is a chance it would be fantastic.
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I'd love the opportunity to applaud him onto the pitch again. It's often said that there is no room for sentimentality in football, but after putting up with the very worst in our history to see a player who genuinely cares about the badge on his shirt would be a blessed relief.
Good luck to you Stan.
I agree. If he gets fit enough and wants a shot he should be given one.
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He's exactly the player we need. A committed, experienced and skilled pro to sit in front of the back four.
If he gets fit enough, he'll be good enough, so bring it on.
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I'd love the opportunity to applaud him onto the pitch again. It's often said that there is no room for sentimentality in football, but after putting up with the very worst in our history to see a player who genuinely cares about the badge on his shirt would be a blessed relief.
Good luck to you Stan.
Spot on.
However unlikely, wouldn't it be wonderful to see him in a Villa shirt again.
A true professional, gentleman & warrior, unlike most of our current squad.
Couldn't agree more with you guys. He's an absolute inspiration to me as a fan, imagine what it would be like to work with him every day. He's everything our current squad isn't.
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Good luck to Stan. he should be looking at MLS rather than championship or premier league for football.
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It's not like he's ever depended on his pace. For a year, 2 at a stretch, his experience, leadership and positional sense blended together with some of the kids that are coming through, it could work really well.
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If it's something that he want's to try and achieve after all he's been through, then fair enough and good luck to him.
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If Leicester have proved anything this season, it's that anything is possible in football. Even if it seems like the stuff of fantasy or shmaltzy underdog sports films, it may just happen in reality.
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I would love to see him on the pitch even if it was just a minute. Hope he can have an influence on the team especially with players and coaching. He is the rock we've been missing.
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The very least this bloke deserves is a chance. I just hope that we give him that. In fact, we owe him it - in my opinion.
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He knows his own health better than anyone, and if he thinks he could get back I'd like to see us give him a chance. It would be great just to have him involved with the club again.
Sorry Monty, for possibly the first time I have to disagree with your post. Cancer of any form is too insidious to fuck about with. I accept your point about him knowing his own health but, imo it's too risky. I'm not saying he should let it dictate fully how he lives his life but, why, at that age; would you even consider it?
Years ago, a friend who had been given the all-clear from cancer decided to play indoor football. He got a knock and the cancer returned and the medical professionals attributed it directly to the knock he'd received, he died. Maybe this has stuck with me and clouded my judgement.
Sounds like bollocks.
A knock might cause metastatic spread but very doubtful it could directly lead to a relapse, especially in haematological cancer.
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http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/heres-what-stiliyan-petrovs-son-11246869
And after some gentle convincing, he finally has his sons approval!
Last night I was reading a book and told him about today and what I was going to be announcing, Petrov said.
He replied: Daddy who are you going to play for? I said I would like to play for Villa again.
He turned around and said: have you seen Villa playing lately? Really have you seen it?
I have cleared it with him now.
I said to him as a father I tried to explain the team is going through something like this but the main thing is how they are going to bounce back and how they are going to regroup.
I said next year Villa will be really good and back in the Premier League.
He said: I will be happy with that but can you promise?
I need to make him a promise and that is a big promise. I dont like to break promises.
Top guy
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http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/heres-what-stiliyan-petrovs-son-11246869
And after some gentle convincing, he finally has his sons approval!
Last night I was reading a book and told him about today and what I was going to be announcing, Petrov said.
He replied: Daddy who are you going to play for? I said I would like to play for Villa again.
He turned around and said: have you seen Villa playing lately? Really have you seen it?
I have cleared it with him now.
I said to him as a father I tried to explain the team is going through something like this but the main thing is how they are going to bounce back and how they are going to regroup.
I said next year Villa will be really good and back in the Premier League.
He said: I will be happy with that but can you promise?
I need to make him a promise and that is a big promise. I dont like to break promises.
Top guy
This is what we are crying out for. Even if he never makes the starting 11 we need this attitude, dedication, love for villa and determination next year. The bloke has elevated his legend status again.
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A positive, motivational story about the Villa.
Now thats good news.
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Agree completely. If he played 10 games but was club captain and was sorting out that dressing room, he would be well worth his place.
As it is, in that league, I reckon if he is fit enough, he will end up looking a decent player still. He always had time because he thought ahead of the game.
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He reckons he has taken advice from his medical professionals and they have cleared it, if he can get himself to the required level of fitness, be monitored very very closely to ensure all is ok on the cancer front, welcome back Stan, not the greatest footballer to wear the claret and blue, but what he went through and the way he handled it probably one of the greatest people associated with the club and we have had a few.
Not a dry eye in the house if he makes his comeback and as already stated an influence that this club is so so in need off.
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Thanks to Stan (and Rudy the other day) for a much needed good news story. We could do with some of this attitude rubbing off on other players. Having some of this loyalty to the club, professional pride, and obviously hurting that we are in this situation. I wish him every success.
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As a figurehead it's great, let's get him around the dressing room next year. As a player, not so sure.
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I'm not sure he'd cut it as a player now, but having him involved would be good for the rebuilding of the club. He's obviously passionate about Villa.
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Put him on the bench for Newcastle and bring him on in the 74th minute.
It would give the crowd something to cheer before the lap of depreciation after the game.
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Put him on the bench for Newcastle and bring him on in the 74th minute.
It would give the crowd something to cheer before the lap of depreciation after the game.
He'd probably win player of the season.
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He would probably look the best player on the pitch for us in fairness.
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I would like our youth team to be looking to his dedication to the game. We have been missing this level of professionalism since Milner/Petrov/Barry. Richards/Lescott/Agbonlahor as role models? No wonder we have issues
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He knows his own health better than anyone, and if he thinks he could get back I'd like to see us give him a chance. It would be great just to have him involved with the club again.
Sorry Monty, for possibly the first time I have to disagree with your post. Cancer of any form is too insidious to fuck about with. I accept your point about him knowing his own health but, imo it's too risky. I'm not saying he should let it dictate fully how he lives his life but, why, at that age; would you even consider it?
Years ago, a friend who had been given the all-clear from cancer decided to play indoor football. He got a knock and the cancer returned and the medical professionals attributed it directly to the knock he'd received, he died. Maybe this has stuck with me and clouded my judgement.
Sounds like bollocks.
A knock might cause metastatic spread but very doubtful it could directly lead to a relapse, especially in haematological cancer.
Not bollocks and, I take exception to the way you describe something as serious as this. You could have been more succinct.
It was what his wife and family were told and, being laypeople what were they to believe? What would the doctors' have to gain by saying something like that if there wasn't any truth in it?
Sadly, I have no contact with his wife or family so I can't get full clarification because, believe me I would. It's thirty years since I left and about thirty-five since he died.
Incidentally, I never said he had haematological cancer. My original point still stands. Why put yourself at risk. I wouldn't.
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If he wants to try, all power to him.
The medical aspects are for him, the club and his doctors to clarify. If he gets the green light there, let him do pre season and see if he can earn his place in the squad, a pure footballing decision.
We won't be able to afford to carry anyone next season and I'm sure that he wouldn't want a squad place as a sympathy vote, but if he can get fit enough to do it, having someone with his experience on the pitch and a proper role model on and off the pitch would propably be the best bit of news since Benteke signed a contract extension.
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If he wants to try, all power to him.
The medical aspects are for him, the club and his doctors to clarify. If he gets the green light there, let him do pre season and see if he can earn his place in the squad, a pure footballing decision.
We won't be able to afford to carry anyone next season and I'm sure that he wouldn't want a squad place as a sympathy vote, but if he can get fit enough to do it, having someone with his experience on the pitch and a proper role model on and off the pitch would propably be the best bit of news since Benteke signed a contract extension.
I agree, it needs to be on merit. But if he can get fit I iamgine he will be quite cheap and it would be great to have him in the squad in place of some average squad filler clogger.
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As a figurehead it's great, let's get him around the dressing room next year. As a player, not so sure.
About what? - unless you're on his medical team or the club's coaching staff how can you possibly have an opinion about his potential as a player?!
He will have to prove to both sets of experts that he is worthy of, firstly, a place in the club's squad and then a slot in the matchday squad. If he proves himself worthy of both, fantastic: we will have a great holding midfielder whose stats in his last couple of seasons were the stuff of dreams for the likes of Westie, Sanchez and Gana. If not, he'll hopefully inspire the youngsters around him anyway.
This is a good-news, win-win story all round, isn't it? ....
.... as long as he doesn't try to bring Tonev back to VP (B'ham Airport are only just getting over his last appearance).
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Even 80% fit he'd waltz into our team. I'm not being all misty eyed and pretending he was world class or a Villa legend, but he was undoubtedly better than anyone in our current squad. And even if he never scales the heights of his playing peak, just putting in a shift each game would mark him out as a colossal improvement on the current shower of shite we have to watch each week.
Come on Stan - make the fairy tale a reality.
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Even if he can't regain the fitness and perhaps confidence to play a full part, having him around the dressing room cajoling our younger players who are crying out for positive role models would be great.
In which case maybe even making a brief sub appearance at a VP game when we're winning and the stadium is full (a derby game or late next April or May if/when we're gunning for promotion) so we could show our appreciation and he could keep to his word of playing at a high level again, would be incredible and be the only single feel-good act strong enough to trump the woes of this club since 2010.
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Short memories people have, I like Petrov a great team man and always gave one hundred percent but I remember him struggling to get past sixty minutes of game time and his lack of pace was telling. That was three years ago.
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As a figurehead it's great, let's get him around the dressing room next year. As a player, not so sure.
About what? - unless you're on his medical team or the club's coaching staff how can you possibly have an opinion about his potential as a player?!
Why cant I have an opinion on it, if we were discussing signing Micheal Owen I'd have the same doubts given his age and time out of the game, and he hasn't gone through what Stan has.
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surely he was struggling due to his condition being not being diagnosed at the time .. ?
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Thanks to Stan (and Rudy the other day) for a much needed good news story. We could do with some of this attitude rubbing off on other players. Having some of this loyalty to the club, professional pride, and obviously hurting that we are in this situation. I wish him every success.
It's what we desperately need. His attitude and his dedication is sorely missing. It would make a fantastic story if he can achieve his ambition. Also after hearing about Rudys off field behaviour I for one would be happy for the club to give him a chance to win the fans over next season. We need some decent people around the club right now.
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surely he was struggling due to his condition being not being diagnosed at the time .. ?
APPLAUSE!!! great point.
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Short memories people have, I like Petrov a great team man and always gave one hundred percent but I remember him struggling to get past sixty minutes of game time and his lack of pace was telling. That was three years ago.
this
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surely he was struggling due to his condition being not being diagnosed at the time .. ?
APPLAUSE!!! great point.
This
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Short memories people have, I like Petrov a great team man and always gave one hundred percent but I remember him struggling to get past sixty minutes of game time and his lack of pace was telling. That was three years ago.
I remember the complaints about his fitness towards the end of games.
I suspect he was dying of un-diagnosed leukaemia at the time.
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Short memories people have, I like Petrov a great team man and always gave one hundred percent but I remember him struggling to get past sixty minutes of game time and his lack of pace was telling. That was three years ago.
I remember the complaints about his fitness towards the end of games.
I suspect he was dying of un-diagnosed leukaemia at the time.
You mate have just nailed it.
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I for one hope there is NO comeback for Stan ...... I wish to remember him as the player he was and when he didn't perform neither did Villa
I would hate to see the image tarnished by not being able to cut it with us - he is 36 I think so a midfielder at that age would mainly find the going tough
We love Stan and lets keep him as a hero
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We've got to be careful not to let misty-eyed romanticism cloud our thinking here. I know someone who plays in that same league Stan is playing in and I'm told he's carrying excess weight and isn't particularly standing out. Add to that Stan will be 37 during the next season, not having played top level football for four years. While I would love to think this proposed comeback would be hugely successful, we've got to be realistic.
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To add to the above, would the new manager even consider it?
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Thirty-seven, ex Leukaemia sufferer, out of top flight football for four years - sorry I cannot see any plus points to this idea for anyone other than the fact I'm pleased for Stan that he's got into a position where he can even consider the idea.
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We've got to be careful not to let misty-eyed romanticism cloud our thinking here. I know someone who plays in that same league Stan is playing in and I'm told he's carrying excess weight and isn't particularly standing out. Add to that Stan will be 37 during the next season, not having played top level football for four years. While I would love to think this proposed comeback would be hugely successful, we've got to be realistic.
Whilst I, regrettably, agree with the summation, I've seen him play and whilst he is/was much larger than he used to be, he stood out a mile, even with other younger ex pros on the field, as you'd expect.
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I wish him well in his dream to play. But obviously not at Aston Villa. I think thats best for everyone.
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We've got to be careful not to let misty-eyed romanticism cloud our thinking here. I know someone who plays in that same league Stan is playing in and I'm told he's carrying excess weight and isn't particularly standing out. Add to that Stan will be 37 during the next season, not having played top level football for four years. While I would love to think this proposed comeback would be hugely successful, we've got to be realistic.
Whilst I, regrettably, agree with the summation, I've seen him play and whilst he is/was much larger than he used to be, he stood out a mile, even with other younger ex pros on the field, as you'd expect.
Possibly prescribed steroids causing the bulk. Quite normal. It'll go.
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As a figurehead it's great, let's get him around the dressing room next year. As a player, not so sure.
About what? - unless you're on his medical team or the club's coaching staff how can you possibly have an opinion about his potential as a player?!
Why cant I have an opinion on it, if we were discussing signing Micheal Owen I'd have the same doubts given his age and time out of the game, and he hasn't gone through what Stan has.
Its fine to have an opinion, and I apologise if my post seemed overly-opinionated.
What I meant, though, was that it is impossible for anyone outside of his team of experts to adjudge his potential for first class football. He may be extraordinary and come back ... He may not. If he is assessed to be both fit and capable enough, he will add something we've lacked for a while: cool, intelligent and dynamic defensive midfield play; and leadership for the youngsters I hope will be playing next season.
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If we had a really smart manager or failing that a manager, the obvious solution is a body double. Let the opposing teams actually think we are playing Stylian (like El Cid strapped in his saddle with his flag on his lance). They will shit their pants, refuse to tackle him but it will really be Lyden in a fat suit. Crowd will be in floods of tears. Sub body double, bring on Stylian to rapturous applause at the final whistle. Simples.
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He was pictured next to Gabby the other week and appeared to be back to his old weight, although Gabby is a great foil if you want to appear slimmer. But I can't see this coming off either - he is great to have around but at 37 with four years out of the game, it's a huge ask for him to play again at a high level. If he wants to try, then who is to stop him, but I can't see it ending with first team appearances.
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As a figurehead it's great, let's get him around the dressing room next year. As a player, not so sure.
About what? - unless you're on his medical team or the club's coaching staff how can you possibly have an opinion about his potential as a player?!
Why cant I have an opinion on it, if we were discussing signing Micheal Owen I'd have the same doubts given his age and time out of the game, and he hasn't gone through what Stan has.
Its fine to have an opinion, and I apologise if my post seemed overly-opinionated.
What I meant, though, was that it is impossible for anyone outside of his team of experts to adjudge his potential for first class football. He may be extraordinary and come back ... He may not. If he is assessed to be both fit and capable enough, he will add something we've lacked for a while: cool, intelligent and dynamic defensive midfield play; and leadership for the youngsters I hope will be playing next season.
No problem whatsoever, It wasn't a flouncy 'I'm being denied an opinion' more, it's not really a completely unreasonable opinion.
I'd love him to come back and be everything we've been lacking but is that likely? Again, what would be your opinion if this thread were about signing the similarly aged Owen?
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As a figurehead it's great, let's get him around the dressing room next year. As a player, not so sure.
About what? - unless you're on his medical team or the club's coaching staff how can you possibly have an opinion about his potential as a player?!
Why cant I have an opinion on it, if we were discussing signing Micheal Owen I'd have the same doubts given his age and time out of the game, and he hasn't gone through what Stan has.
Its fine to have an opinion, and I apologise if my post seemed overly-opinionated.
What I meant, though, was that it is impossible for anyone outside of his team of experts to adjudge his potential for first class football. He may be extraordinary and come back ... He may not. If he is assessed to be both fit and capable enough, he will add something we've lacked for a while: cool, intelligent and dynamic defensive midfield play; and leadership for the youngsters I hope will be playing next season.
No problem whatsoever, It wasn't a flouncy 'I'm being denied an opinion' more, it's not really a completely unreasonable opinion.
I'd love him to come back and be everything we've been lacking but is that likely? Again, what would be your opinion if this thread were about signing the similarly aged Owen?
Its a completely different equation because Petrov is coming back from a life-threatening condition. Owen simply apparently lost his mojo and couldn't get motivated to do the job of a top-class player.
And, we're speculating about a player coming back into the 2nd tier, not the top.
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Yes I understand what Stan has been through but I guess we disagree in that I reckon that's a reason to think he'd be even less likely to make it back to pro football at his age than Owen, whom I'd be similarly dubious about playing, whatever the level.
Be great to see him around the place though.
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I for one hope there is NO comeback for Stan ...... I wish to remember him as the player he was and when he didn't perform neither did Villa
I would hate to see the image tarnished by not being able to cut it with us - he is 36 I think so a midfielder at that age would mainly find the going tough
We love Stan and lets keep him as a hero
It was reported on the radio today that he has been training with the U21 squad and is 9lb off his fully fit weight. The fitness coaches will not even consider him unless they are convinced he is ready. I hope with all my heart he can once again pull on a villa shirt. It would be one of football's greatest ever comeback stories. Good luck Stan. At the very least he is showing this current gutless lot how to "fight like a lion"
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Agreed
Could he even play as a non contract player?
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Agreed
Could he even play as a non contract player?
I don't see why not. Pay as you play would do nicely. As with any other player he would be picked only on merit.
With the added bonus of having his considerable experience around the place. It's a win win for me.
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When you think how Stan carried on playing through what would have been a terminal disease, surely knowing something wasn't right, but still giving his all, then you look at the characters we have in our side now, suffering from heart, spinal and stomach problems (Absence of said organs and structures) well, it blows me away.
I suspect like other old gits, I'm losing it with soccer generally, and players in particular. It's not the game I used to love, nor played by people I have any respect for. My interest and enthusiasm is diminishing daily. Then Stan's story takes a twist that rekindles in me some respect for the "industry". (Actually It's just a game, however the money men want to over-blow it).
God knows where Stan's journey is gonna take him. But thanks mate, you've made my week.
There's a screenplay in there.
Mislite mi sa s vas.
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I for one hope there is NO comeback for Stan ...... I wish to remember him as the player he was and when he didn't perform neither did Villa
I would hate to see the image tarnished by not being able to cut it with us - he is 36 I think so a midfielder at that age would mainly find the going tough
We love Stan and lets keep him as a hero
It was reported on the radio today that he has been training with the U21 squad and is 9lb off his fully fit weight. The fitness coaches will not even consider him unless they are convinced he is ready. I hope with all my heart he can once again pull on a villa shirt. It would be one of football's greatest ever comeback stories. Good luck Stan. At the very least he is showing this current gutless lot how to "fight like a lion"
fitness coaches? i didnt know we had any!
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They are the buses to take Gabby and co to McDonald's.
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Sorry, I thought that said fatness coaches.
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What are the rules on over age players in the U21's. Could he be a player coach?
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his time has come and gone - unfortunately for him
For me he was fairly average for most of his time with us, I seem to remember him getting a fair amount of stick when he played, especially after his bust up (supposedly) with Melberg (but I suppose we all wear rose tinted glasses when we think of certain players)
He ought to enjoy his retirement, and be thankful that he is now back in good health
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At last: some good news relating to our buggered club. I just hope Stan gets the opportunity to continue with his career with us in some significant capacity. Fingers crossed.
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In what is quite stunning and wonderful news Stan will be taking part in pre season training as a player when the squad returns next week. And he will travel with the squad to Austria for the training camp. Amazing news.
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In what is quite stunning and wonderful news Stan will be taking part in pre season training as a player when the squad returns next week. And he will travel with the squad to Austria for the training camp. Amazing news.
You beat me to it!
Great news :-)......We've got our new club captain, Elphick can be team captain now.
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In what is quite stunning and wonderful news Stan will be taking part in pre season training as a player when the squad returns next week. And he will travel with the squad to Austria for the training camp. Amazing news.
Wow. That is a real good news story. Opinions are obviously divided on whether he will be able to make the comeback, but hopefully we can all agree that it would be a wonderful story. Good on RDM for giving him a chance.
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We need good people again at the club and good, strong characters. Elphick and Stan would provide a tremendous base. If Stan does come back I'd not expect him to play every game, maybe even half of them, but what a great influence he would be. Make him club captain, Elphick team captain when Stan isn't on the pitch.
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Blimey! That will be a home "debut" to remember...
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Blimey! That will be a home "debut" to remember...
A very, very emotional one if it happens
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Gabby and all you other wankers take notice
Dedication, pure graft and a determination can make you achieve great things
Come on Stan - a story to beat all footballing stories
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This is ace. If he plays any part at all its a minor miracle and the first bit of incontestably good news I've read for ages.
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It will be an unbelievable story if he actually makes it back. I've discounted and disregarded this since I read that he was looking to get back into shape. If he gets back onto the pitch at all it will be truly awe inspiring.
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Gabby and all you other wankers take notice
Dedication, pure graft and a determination can make you achieve great things
Come on Stan - a story to beat all footballing stories
It's not even sure it is the 'great things' that they should take note of, Stan's desire to simply train again and get the last ounce out of his career is the polar opposite of Gabby's 'shrug and count his cash' attitude. Just having him in the squad may go a long way to removing the toxic culture of the club.
To be honest I doubt he will ever play a meaningful match for us again but this is still tremendous news.
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Fantastic news. Even if he never plays again, just to have him around the club and to set an example to the youngsters would be a huge bonus.
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Having him around the squad will be a major positive, regardless of whether he actually plays again or not. We now have two leaders in the squad, when this time last week we had none.
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Wonderful news. Good on ya, Standby boy!
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He could do a job, I reckon. Well, Westwood's anyway. That doesn't involve much running.
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Fuck the Jamie Vardy story, if Stan plays for us again that will be some film.
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If nothing else comes from this I hope he gets a cameo in one of the pre-season games. As others have said the sheer force of will involved in coming back from this makes him a massively positive influence and having him around the club even if only for the summer will do a lot of good for the young players who have had wasters like Richards and Gabby as their role models so far.
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Superb news, hope he's part of the squad next season, not just because of the recovery from illness but also because I think he can have a real impact on the pitch.
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That's fantastic. Just to see him in a pre-season game would be enough in itself.
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Excellent news. This is the kind of stuff that films are made of...and I hope Stan is able to write a happy and inspirational ending.
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My only concern, and it's a minor one in the grand scheme of things, is that I hope he doesn't get embroiled in any unpleasant atmosphere should things not go well for us on the pitch. That said, when he had to retire originally things were awful anyway, so it's not as if memories of his time with us will be tarnished....
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Tremendous news, it really is. Fucking good on ya, Stan.
If, IF, he makes it back in with no dewy-eyed sentiment, just purely on merit, for us fans looking for that SGT impact in our hour of adversity, this would be a massive lift.
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I honestly believe that unpleasantness of last season will be forgotten quickly now that the players have had a chance to go away. It's done with now and nothing can be done to reverse what happened. While some players still have to go, the pressures built up last season won't be there anymore. The club has changed ownership in that time, coaches have left, the manager is different. So much will not be what it was at the darkest, most poisonous parts of last year. Not saying all of the dark clouds are gone but they won't be as pronounced this July as they were back in May.
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Whether he plays for a minute or not, they should give him shirt/squad number 19.
Good luck Stan.
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This is brilliant news, for him and for Villa.
It should also act as a fantastic inspiration for anyone who receives a diagnosis in the near future or is currently going through treatment.
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I would love it, just love it if he can play just 5 minutes for us this season.
If he could make a regular contribution, then even better - but this really needs to be judged on merit not sentiment.
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Stan's style of captaincy was to always lead by example and if this example doesn't wake up the wasters nothing will.
I wonder if his desire to play for Villa again was motivated by our predicament or his need to prove to himself he could play at the highest levels again after the cancer - probably a bit of both, but either way good luck to him.
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If his time back only amounts to a few run outs in the reserves, it is success.
Positive influences in and around the club like him and Elphick are the perfect counterbalance to Gabby, Lescott and co.
Your senior players are the ones most young lads look up to. None of our senior players last season set an example worth following.
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If Stan gets the number 19 shirt I will go and buy one it will be my first new Villa Shirt since 1981, I even waited till the price went down at the end of the season for the european champions shirt.
Come on Stan! Go on Roberto give him, his number back
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I've only been reading the OT EU thread today, went to Twitter because of a link in said thread and read about this. Well done Stan having recovered your energy levels.
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It's a lovely story...I just don't think it's realistic to see him play in a proper game again.
He's been away for 4 years and is 37 in two weeks so I'd be highly surprised if we re-sign him as a player.
No issue at all with getting him properly involved in the coaching staff though.
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Go on, Stan! Great news.
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It's a lovely story...I just don't think it's realistic to see him play in a proper game again.
He's been away for 4 years and is 37 in two weeks so I'd be highly surprised if we re-sign him as a player.
No issue at all with getting him properly involved in the coaching staff though.
I wouldn't write him off Soccer. He has clearly made it his mission and if he can reach the levels of fitness required, from a technical perspective his ability is unquestioned, especially a step down the premier league. There would be a lot of fans with grit in their eyes if he was on the pitch again.
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I don't think the club would be engaging in this as a PR stunt. They will have checked thoroughly that Stan is able to participate just from a liability standpoint as much as anything else. If he can prove his fitness which arguably may be better than the other players next week, we all know the man can play, then he has a proper chance to play a significant role this season. He doesn't have to play every game so there's no pressure there either. It's a long season, and Stan being part of the squad will be massive.
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If it happens it'll be fantastic. I'll be emotional enough just seeing Stan turn out in a friendly. If he plays professionally again it's going to be emotional. Stan is an absolute class act.
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A ten minute cameo on the last day of the season and then let him pick up the Championship trophy afterwards.
How emotional would that be?
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He's been working on his fitness for some time and has said he feels as fit now as he did before he was ill. He's not been reliant on pace in his Villa career, he can sit as the holding player in front of the defence and use his communication/leadership skills on the pitch. He has a footballer's brain so his positional sense will help a lot. Should we expect to rely on him? No. He can potentially play a significant role though. We need a mixture of good older pro's and younger lads. There's also an argument that having had time away from the game could actually be beneficial. Some players have longer careers because they started later.
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A ten minute cameo on the last day of the season and then let him pick up the Championship trophy afterwards.
How emotional would that be?
That's my dream scenario too.
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A ten minute cameo on the last day of the season and then let him pick up the Championship trophy afterwards.
How emotional would that be?
That's my dream scenario too.
That would be ideal.
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Yes, even if he doesn't regain the necessary fitness required, coming on against Small Heath at the end of April when we're 3-0 up and about to be crowned Champions would do nicely.
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A ten minute cameo on the last day of the season and then let him pick up the Championship trophy afterwards.
How emotional would that be?
That's my dream scenario too.
Oh tears for sure.
I'd have been welling up if Bouma had ever played for us again and he only got a broken leg.
It still bugs me MON never gave him 10 minutes of the Blackburn game on last day of 2009-10 season considering he'd been fit for most of that year.
Stan coming back would be on another level for obvious reasons.
In fairness I'm probably being unfair as I'm judging it on players coming in who can play 40 + times a season and obviously that would be too much.
It is possible he can manage games here and there if he can prove his fitness in pre season.
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I guess I am a party pooper. I just think its a very bad idea. His age, playing position, out of the game time, let alone health issues make it obviously absurd he could contribute in any meaningful way at the Championship level. As for the token gesture, well there are better ways to do that that.
This is a well meaning distraction but we cant really afford distractions right now, we need to be focusing on players who genuinely can compete for us and help win matches.
First misstep by RDM, hopefully he will change things around before the season starts and abandon this notion.
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I guess I am a party pooper. I just think its a very bad idea. His age, playing position, out of the game time, let alone health issues make it obviously absurd he could contribute in any meaningful way at the Championship level. As for the token gesture, well there are better ways to do that that.
This is a well meaning distraction but we cant really afford distractions right now, we need to be focusing on players who genuinely can compete for us and help win matches.
First misstep by RDM, hopefully he will change things around before the season starts and abandon this notion.
He's been given the chance to take part in pre season to try and prove his fitness and worth.
If he can claim a contract and a squad place then he's done it on merit.
If he can't demonstrate his worth then he won't get a contract. I can't see RDM giving him a contract as a sop. He's got too much riding on next season already.
So where's the problem?
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So where's the problem?
Absolutely.
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I guess I am a party pooper. I just think its a very bad idea. His age, playing position, out of the game time, let alone health issues make it obviously absurd he could contribute in any meaningful way at the Championship level. As for the token gesture, well there are better ways to do that that.
This is a well meaning distraction but we cant really afford distractions right now, we need to be focusing on players who genuinely can compete for us and help win matches.
First misstep by RDM, hopefully he will change things around before the season starts and abandon this notion.
He's been given the chance to take part in pre season to try and prove his fitness and worth.
If he can claim a contract and a squad place then he's done it on merit.
If he can't demonstrate his worth then he won't get a contract. I can't see RDM giving him a contract as a sop. He's got too much riding on next season already.
So where's the problem?
Fair point, no problem beyond a mildy awkward conversation with RDM when the inevitable becomes obvious. I would sooner RDM and the club were focused on players who will actually play for us at a competitive level. Stan won't. I am not going to sugar coat that with "lets hope I am wrong" or "fingers crossed for a surprise" because it is just not going to happen. 37 year old Leukemia survivors do not play competitive Championship football in midfield. Thats just an unwelcome fact.
I like Stan obviously, but this is not going to work. In a coaching role, for darn sure, I would love to see that work out, and it could, but not this.
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Either way I see this as a postive. If Stan does play and gets a few games then you can see him making a difference for us in certain games, but even he doesn't play his presence in around the squad should have a postive effect.
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Unlike previous managers, RDM comes in with no commitment in any way to Stan.
If he gets a one year contract, he's earned it.
Stan is a truly inspirational man.
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A ten minute cameo on the last day of the season and then let him pick up the Championship trophy afterwards.
How emotional would that be?
I've got dust in my eyes already Dave. That would make up for the past few years and it would all be forgotten. It would redefine Villa (again).
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No one has looked at the possible downside, what if he does play and he fails dismally? he is a Villa hero and that's the way I want to remember him.
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No one has looked at the possible downside, what if he does play and he fails dismally? he is a Villa hero and that's the way I want to remember him.
Then he has still fought back from a life threatening illness to be fit enough to play at the (second) highest level of football. That's a win, however he plays.
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Hello Robbo, haven't caught up with you for a while.
There is that as well. I would only want him on the playing squad if he had something to contribute. If he doesn't make the grade, it may be a master stroke by RDM just to have him around the club and offering encouragement.
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I guess I am a party pooper. I just think its a very bad idea. His age, playing position, out of the game time, let alone health issues make it obviously absurd he could contribute in any meaningful way at the Championship level. As for the token gesture, well there are better ways to do that that.
This is a well meaning distraction but we cant really afford distractions right now, we need to be focusing on players who genuinely can compete for us and help win matches.
First misstep by RDM, hopefully he will change things around before the season starts and abandon this notion.
He's been given the chance to take part in pre season to try and prove his fitness and worth.
If he can claim a contract and a squad place then he's done it on merit.
If he can't demonstrate his worth then he won't get a contract. I can't see RDM giving him a contract as a sop. He's got too much riding on next season already.
So where's the problem?
Fair point, no problem beyond a mildy awkward conversation with RDM when the inevitable becomes obvious. I would sooner RDM and the club were focused on players who will actually play for us at a competitive level. Stan won't. I am not going to sugar coat that with "lets hope I am wrong" or "fingers crossed for a surprise" because it is just not going to happen. 37 year old Leukemia survivors do not play competitive Championship football in midfield. Thats just an unwelcome fact.
I like Stan obviously, but this is not going to work. In a coaching role, for darn sure, I would love to see that work out, and it could, but not this.
Life and sport are littered with extraordinary people that have achieved brilliant things despite being told they cant. The fact that we are even discussing this shows the determination of the man and that in itself should be applauded but given where he was and where he is now, I would'nt bet against him becoming the first 37 year old Leukemia survivor to play competitive Championship football in midfield. Good luck Stan, if you get 5 more minutes on the pitch it will be worth it in my eyes
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I'd be amazed if Stan can still physically hack playing level 2 football. He's 36 and hasn't played properly for 4 years. It's a nice sentiment and all but realistically, emotion aside and football head on, I don't think he'll be able to do it.
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I'd be amazed if Stan can still physically hack playing level 2 football. He's 36 and hasn't played properly for 4 years. It's a nice sentiment and all but realistically, emotion aside and football head on, I don't think he'll be able to do it.
Well if he can't I am sure he will be the first to realise and will make the decision himself but I would not put it past him to prove people wrong.
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I'd be amazed if Stan can still physically hack playing level 2 football. He's 36 and hasn't played properly for 4 years. It's a nice sentiment and all but realistically, emotion aside and football head on, I don't think he'll be able to do it.
I doubt it too. But if he gets his fitness up enough to play reserve games and perhaps the odd 5/10 minute cameo at the tail end of some Championship games, the decision will still have some merit, particularly with our current lack of leadership around BH. More than that would be a miracle, but it is a miracle that we are even talking about any sort of comeback at all.
He was visibly knackered from the 60 minute mark from about 2010 in the top flight. The aging process and his illness won't have improved his stamina, if you want to be brutal. It's highly unlikely we could get enough out of him to dictate games. But as someone to come on for the last 5-10 minutes to close out a game by keeping possession, he's cute enough upstairs to be able to do that, I reckon.
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I'd be amazed if Stan can still physically hack playing level 2 football. He's 36 and hasn't played properly for 4 years. It's a nice sentiment and all but realistically, emotion aside and football head on, I don't think he'll be able to do it.
Between him and Gabby who do you think will be fitter on day one? He doesn't have to play every game. And the club won't be risking it from a liability standpoint, so any decision won't be made with sentiment in mind. It will be purely business which I am sure Stan understands. If he gets in it will be purely on merit.
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If he can get his fitness ok then he'll be fine, I don't see any other reason why not. I'm thinking he'll at least get a squad place and play a bit part but that's fine because some players will have to do that anyway.
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I guess I am a party pooper. I just think its a very bad idea. His age, playing position, out of the game time, let alone health issues make it obviously absurd he could contribute in any meaningful way at the Championship level. As for the token gesture, well there are better ways to do that that.
This is a well meaning distraction but we cant really afford distractions right now, we need to be focusing on players who genuinely can compete for us and help win matches.
First misstep by RDM, hopefully he will change things around before the season starts and abandon this notion.
He's been given the chance to take part in pre season to try and prove his fitness and worth.
If he can claim a contract and a squad place then he's done it on merit.
If he can't demonstrate his worth then he won't get a contract. I can't see RDM giving him a contract as a sop. He's got too much riding on next season already.
So where's the problem?
Fair point, no problem beyond a mildy awkward conversation with RDM when the inevitable becomes obvious. I would sooner RDM and the club were focused on players who will actually play for us at a competitive level. Stan won't. I am not going to sugar coat that with "lets hope I am wrong" or "fingers crossed for a surprise" because it is just not going to happen. 37 year old Leukemia survivors do not play competitive Championship football in midfield. Thats just an unwelcome fact.
I like Stan obviously, but this is not going to work. In a coaching role, for darn sure, I would love to see that work out, and it could, but not this.
I can't see what RDM has done wrong. He hasn't made him any promises as far as I can see. He's given Petrov a chance to prove himself or maybe just a chance to do something that makes him feel good, either of which he deserves, and not just because he's Stan. Likewise, I can't see that Stan is demanding or expecting anything beyond either a shot at proving himself or a chance to feel what it's like being back at a competitive football club. I will feel fantastic if it works out. I don't expect it will, in which case I will bear RDM no malice.
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This isn't just about Villa, it's about proving his fitness for himself and potentially putting himself in the shop window for whatever level he can cope with. Villa would be his dream but I'm sure he is realistic enough to realise he might be in the Evo-Stick league or whatever. We're giving him an opportunity in familiar surroundings.
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Do you not think the profusely sweating knackered look was as a result of the ticking timebomb of Leukemia lurking?
I'd be amazed if Stan can still physically hack playing level 2 football. He's 36 and hasn't played properly for 4 years. It's a nice sentiment and all but realistically, emotion aside and football head on, I don't think he'll be able to do it.
I doubt it too. But if he gets his fitness up enough to play reserve games and perhaps the odd 5/10 minute cameo at the tail end of some Championship games, the decision will still have some merit, particularly with our current lack of leadership around BH. More than that would be a miracle, but it is a miracle that we are even talking about any sort of comeback at all.
He was visibly knackered from the 60 minute mark from about 2010 in the top flight. The aging process and his illness won't have improved his stamina, if you want to be brutal. It's highly unlikely we could get enough out of him to dictate games. But as someone to come on for the last 5-10 minutes to close out a game by keeping possession, he's cute enough upstairs to be able to do that, I reckon.
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What's ironic about all of this, is the fact Petrov was the the biggest scapegoat of our recent time.
Prove the detractors wrong Stan. Prove cancer sufferers can return to top class sport.
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With the rigorous health tests that professional athletes are routinely subjected to, I'd like to think Stan didn't have Leukemia (early stages or no) two years before it was actually diagnosed.
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I've been to Montana, and I already knew that anyone who came from there like him, and has gone on to have the career that he has, must have serious determination. I've got nothing but respect for him.
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Even one cameo performance as a sub would be the highlight for most supporters. I can't stop to admire just how brave and determined our No 19 is.
Whatever the outcome and wherever this leads then Stiliyan you are on the top table in our Hall of Fame.
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we will have to see how he got on pre season matches first.
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Didn't pre-season training start today? I've not seen any photos on the OS.
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What's ironic about all of this, is the fact Petrov was the the biggest scapegoat of our recent time.
He was crap for quite a while and got stick, stuck at it and was massively popular by the time he was ill... is my recollection.
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Just imagine how inspiring it will be for the rest of the squad seeing Stan in full training gear raring to go first day back, fairytale stuff.
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I remember lots of fans criticizing Stan for sideways passing, however as soon as he left our midfield we struggled, and Imho we haven't had a decent midfield since. I really hope he give us a good season.
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What's ironic about all of this, is the fact Petrov was the the biggest scapegoat of our recent time.
He was crap for quite a while and got stick, stuck at it and was massively popular by the time he was ill... is my recollection.
He did the usual "takes a season to get used to the Premier League" thing and then started to make the midfield tick while nicking some decent goals as well. He was very popular before it was known he was ill (although people had noticed he sweated like an 'oss)
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Didn't pre-season training start today? I've not seen any photos on the OS.
The Players report back tomorrow, Wednesday, ( all those who,ve not on International duty ). Yesterday was the first official day at Bodymoor for RDM & and his team.............Godzvilla!
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Just imagine how inspiring it will be for the rest of the squad seeing Stan in full training gear raring to go first day back, fairytale stuff.
For any other squad of players you are spot on - here you are talking about brain dead zombies such as Richards and Lescott.
But notwithstanding my crash comment - all the best in the world Stan
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I remember lots of fans criticizing Stan for sideways passing, however as soon as he left our midfield we struggled, and Imho we haven't had a decent midfield since. I really hope he give us a good season.
Honestly, our midfield was pretty rubbish from the moment Milner left, but I get your point. IIRC, a lot of people were noting probably sometime in 2010 about how Stan's legs were starting to go, but then he made adjustments to his game and was our best player during the TSM season before he got leukaemia.
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I remember lots of fans criticizing Stan for sideways passing, however as soon as he left our midfield we struggled, and Imho we haven't had a decent midfield since. I really hope he give us a good season.
Honestly, our midfield was pretty rubbish from the moment Milner left, but I get your point. IIRC, a lot of people were noting probably sometime in 2010 about how Stan's legs were starting to go, but then he made adjustments to his game and was our best player during the TSM season before he got leukaemia.
He scored a few goals and was becoming more effective going forward under TSM. We really missed him when he had to stop. After his first year, I thought he was very good under O Neill. He kept things ticking over. 7/10 most weeks and read the game very well. For some, because he came with such a great goal record at Celtic he was expected to score more, but I don't think he had the pace or quickness of feet to be as effective in the Prem as the SPL, which is why O Neill turned him into a deep lying midfielder. That said I do think O Neill took a little too much freedom away from Stan.
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Hope the guy is ok, but for me I would not have him at our club, it is time to give younger lads ago in midfield such as Gardner not have him blocking there progress
If I remember rightly, before his dreadful illness, he had probably 1 decent season, and also certainly under O'Neill he was not a fans favourite, he was booed off the pitch and heavily criticized on here
But we all have rose tinted glasses on with certain players.
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Hope the guy is ok, but for me I would not have him at our club, it is time to give younger lads ago in midfield such as Gardner not have him blocking there progress
If I remember rightly, before his dreadful illness, he had probably 1 decent season, and also certainly under O'Neill he was not a fans favourite, he was booed off the pitch and heavily criticized on here
But we all have rose tinted glasses on with certain players.
One of the biggest failings of the club (on the pitch) for the last 2 years or so has been the complete lack of leadership and inspiration.
The team has not had a captain of worth a 'piece of piss' since Stan stopped playing.
Even if the bloke doesn't kick a ball in anger next season, to have a true leader in the changing room will be a massive improvement on recent times.
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Hope the guy is ok, but for me I would not have him at our club, it is time to give younger lads ago in midfield such as Gardner not have him blocking there progress
If I remember rightly, before his dreadful illness, he had probably 1 decent season, and also certainly under O'Neill he was not a fans favourite, he was booed off the pitch and heavily criticized on here
But we all have rose tinted glasses on with certain players.
One of the biggest failings of the club (on the pitch) for the last 2 years or so has been the complete lack of leadership and inspiration.
The team has not had a captain of worth a 'piece of piss' since Stan stopped playing.
Even if the bloke doesn't kick a ball in anger next season, to have a true leader in the changing room will be a massive improvement on recent times.
100% correct.
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Hope the guy is ok, but for me I would not have him at our club, it is time to give younger lads ago in midfield such as Gardner not have him blocking there progress
If I remember rightly, before his dreadful illness, he had probably 1 decent season, and also certainly under O'Neill he was not a fans favourite, he was booed off the pitch and heavily criticized on here
But we all have rose tinted glasses on with certain players.
One of the biggest failings of the club (on the pitch) for the last 2 years or so has been the complete lack of leadership and inspiration.
The team has not had a captain of worth a 'piece of piss' since Stan stopped playing.
Even if the bloke doesn't kick a ball in anger next season, to have a true leader in the changing room will be a massive improvement on recent times.
100% correct.
Personally, giving someone like Stan the Club Captain badge would be the best move for him and the squad.
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Hope the guy is ok, but for me I would not have him at our club, it is time to give younger lads ago in midfield such as Gardner not have him blocking there progress
If I remember rightly, before his dreadful illness, he had probably 1 decent season, and also certainly under O'Neill he was not a fans favourite, he was booed off the pitch and heavily criticized on here
But we all have rose tinted glasses on with certain players.
One of the biggest failings of the club (on the pitch) for the last 2 years or so has been the complete lack of leadership and inspiration.
The team has not had a captain of worth a 'piece of piss' since Stan stopped playing.
Even if the bloke doesn't kick a ball in anger next season, to have a true leader in the changing room will be a massive improvement on recent times.
100% correct.
Personally, giving someone like Stan the Club Captain badge would be the best move for him and the squad.
I'm not sure about that. A captain needs to be a regular starter if possible. The captain will probably be Elphick.
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Hope the guy is ok, but for me I would not have him at our club, it is time to give younger lads ago in midfield such as Gardner not have him blocking there progress
If I remember rightly, before his dreadful illness, he had probably 1 decent season, and also certainly under O'Neill he was not a fans favourite, he was booed off the pitch and heavily criticized on here
But we all have rose tinted glasses on with certain players.
One of the biggest failings of the club (on the pitch) for the last 2 years or so has been the complete lack of leadership and inspiration.
The team has not had a captain of worth a 'piece of piss' since Stan stopped playing.
Even if the bloke doesn't kick a ball in anger next season, to have a true leader in the changing room will be a massive improvement on recent times.
100% correct.
Personally, giving someone like Stan the Club Captain badge would be the best move for him and the squad.
I'm not sure about that. A captain needs to be a regular starter if possible. The captain will probably be Elphick.
Simple, Petrov as club captain and Elphick as team captain.
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There was a link posted by GE to pics of the players turning up to training and Stan was there with a smile on his face. Good stuff
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Hope the guy is ok, but for me I would not have him at our club, it is time to give younger lads ago in midfield such as Gardner not have him blocking there progress
If I remember rightly, before his dreadful illness, he had probably 1 decent season, and also certainly under O'Neill he was not a fans favourite, he was booed off the pitch and heavily criticized on here
But we all have rose tinted glasses on with certain players.
One of the biggest failings of the club (on the pitch) for the last 2 years or so has been the complete lack of leadership and inspiration.
The team has not had a captain of worth a 'piece of piss' since Stan stopped playing.
Even if the bloke doesn't kick a ball in anger next season, to have a true leader in the changing room will be a massive improvement on recent times.
100% correct.
Personally, giving someone like Stan the Club Captain badge would be the best move for him and the squad.
I'm not sure about that. A captain needs to be a regular starter if possible. The captain will probably be Elphick.
"...Club Captain..."
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I just think that people seem to be getting carried away here...he is after all only training with the first team squad. No hint yet of a
contract offer.
Yes i would absolutely love it if that were to happen but a fair way from that yet.
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... If I remember rightly, before his dreadful illness, he had probably 1 decent season ... but we all have rose tinted glasses on with certain players.
His stats in his last two seasons for interceptions and breaking down opposition moves were among the best in the P League.
He has something that we have evidently lacked in the seasons since he was not playing: intelligence and game-management. These are worth loads and if he can get fit and focussed enough we'd benefit from another season of him being available to us.
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Hope the guy is ok, but for me I would not have him at our club, it is time to give younger lads ago in midfield such as Gardner not have him blocking there progress
If I remember rightly, before his dreadful illness, he had probably 1 decent season, and also certainly under O'Neill he was not a fans favourite, he was booed off the pitch and heavily criticized on here
But we all have rose tinted glasses on with certain players.
I always thought Petrov was a fantastic player. I think the reason some fans had a downer on him was because they thought he was signed as an attacking midfielder player who scored goals galore. It was pretty soon after he arrived that he was turned into a defensive midfielder who sat in front of the back 4 and did all the stuff that doesn't get the headlines.
Oh how we could have done with him over the last few years.
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He took a year to adjust and corporate us as fans to adjust to him playing a deeper role. He was a class act in a top six midfield. Rose tinted glasses my arse.
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He took a year to adjust and corporate us as fans to adjust to him playing a deeper role. He was a class act in a top six midfield. Rose tinted glasses my arse.
Don't forget that bespectacled ****** played him out of position on the right of midfield a fair bit as well.
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He was a class act wherever he played for us.
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It took me a long time to appreciate him in the holding midfield role. It was strange that he was moved because his first game down at West Ham was as good a debut as I've seen.
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That was a top midfield we had with him, Barry, Milner and Ash. Every bit as good as anything Leicester had last season that walked away with the title. Throw in who we had at the back and up front and certainly with Brad Sr I'd have loved to have that side compete in the PL last year. Stan is such a smart individual and not only that he brings a calmness to the side. You can trust him as players and fans. It was such a sad event for him to be taken ill and will be a magnificent story should he play again.
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If he can just teach some of the younger players how to play with a bit of nous he will have done his bit. A master at winning free kicks in defensive areas when we were under pressure.
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Excuse my auto correct in the post above!
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On his debut against West Ham, I remember him playing quite well and at some stage, lobbed the 'keeper with a sublime bit of skill and the ball was heading into the net only for Tyrone Mears? to manage to get back and clear it off the line. Stan seemed somewhat deflated after that and I always felt in the hard first year; had that gone in, his confidence would have been sky high and perhaps he wouldn't have had such a difficult time settling.
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One step at a time. We'll see if he can cope with the intensity of the new fitness and training regime (that is apparently going to be implemented). It's then up to him to catch RDM's eye and prove he's worth a punt in a few pre-season games. And then? Who knows. My fingers are crossed he turns out in the Championship for us. That would make my season then and there.
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Is it true that he's been given a position as part of the backroom staff?
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Just wonderful. I saw on sky sports newss earlier villa has tweeted out stan back in training with first team. Certainly can do with more leaders and he is one who can lead and also inspire . Hope work's out for him and right behind him. Decent still to compete in midfield if not a role at club is defo on cards. God bless Stan .
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Happy Birthday Stan!! Great to have you around again. You're an inspiration to everyone.
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Happy Birthday Stan. I just wish we had a few more at Villa Park with your grit and determination.
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Not long before Stan was diagnosed and had to retire, I made a quote on a match thread that I'd be happy to never see him in a Villa shirt again. I'd really got tired of him as a player and frustration blew over when I made that comment. Looking back maybe his condition was playing a part in his performances at the time.
But believe me, from the day he called time on his Villa career to now i've never wanted to take any words back as much as those.
He was never my favourite player (even though i'm also a Celtic follower) but what he always was was honest and a model pro. I've been lucky enough to meet him a few times as well and he came across as a top class bloke. And he's been nothing short of an inspiration since the whole leukemia thing started.
I pray he'll make the grade this summer and get a squad number for that alone. I'm rooting for you Stan x
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Looks pretty fit in the photos to be fair.
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Looks pretty fit in the photos to be fair.
What a wonderful set of images. He should be very proud, inspiration doesn't do him justice.
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Has anybody heard any reports of how he did yesterday?
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Looks pretty fit in the photos to be fair.
There's a picture of him today training after we signed Tshibola and he certainly isn't carrying any Gabby handles. Looks very lean indeed.
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Has anybody heard any reports of how he did yesterday?
To be honest, who cares? He's fit, free of cancer and playing football, that's all that matters, Anything else will be a massive bonus on top of a massive bonus.
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West Bromwich AlbionVerified account
@WBA
Let's put rivalry to one side and congratulate @StanPetrov19 on his inspirational return to football #WBA
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West Bromwich AlbionVerified account
@WBA
Let's put rivalry to one side and congratulate @StanPetrov19 on his inspirational return to football #WBA
Yes quite inspirational - he will be a big influence if he stays; needs to be made club captain where he will then have influence off the pitch as well as glancing moments on.
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Has anybody heard any reports of how he did yesterday?
To be honest, who cares? He's fit, free of cancer and playing football, that's all that matters, Anything else will be a massive bonus on top of a massive bonus.
Well yes but as inspirational story as it is I also want Villa to be promoted. So the underlying story will be his battle against his illness and his attempt to return, but the main issue for me now is can he be a part of the squad or team? Other than the psychological impact if he isn't going to make it back then we need to still try and strengthen in that area unless Sanchez can make the step up.
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That was a top midfield we had with him, Barry, Milner and Ash. Every bit as good as anything Leicester had last season that walked away with the title. Throw in who we had at the back and up front and certainly with Brad Sr I'd have loved to have that side compete in the PL last year. Stan is such a smart individual and not only that he brings a calmness to the side. You can trust him as players and fans. It was such a sad event for him to be taken ill and will be a magnificent story should he play again.
Like us around that time it was pretty good but not quite good enough to win the top honours.
Barry and Petrov were a very cultured middle two, two very good footballers and they weren't half good at getting the ball wide quickly to Young so he could be 1 v 1 against the full back.
The problem was MON's favoured formation always being 4-4-2 and the two wide men had to stick wide so against dynamic three man midfields Petrov and Barry were a bit one paced.
Frustration has to be maybe not signing someone like Downing a year earlier so Milner could've been moved to CM while Barry was still at the club (if of course Milner would've still been signed himself) as his energy and mobility alongside Petrov and Barry would've been ideal.
Annoying as our best runs under MON always seemed to come when playing 4-5-1. We certainly got more wins against the better teams in this league playing that system.
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In fairness, Downing was signed nearly a year earlier - he was just on crutches!
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In fairness, Downing was signed nearly a year earlier - he was just on crutches!
Ironically because of a Petrov tackle.
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Sergio Ramos has always been my favourite bearded Spanish centre half:
Sergio Ramos @SergioRamos Jul 11
Sergio Ramos Retweeted Aston Villa FC
Sport is about overcoming challenges. @StanPetrov19 is a true sportsman and a fighter./ Un luchador. Enhorabuena!
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I saw an article earlier on another thread about how Ayew is being given the 10 shirt to free up the 19 shirt that Petrov has previously worn. Sounds highly suggestive that Petrov is definitely going to be getting a playing contract.
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Seems like he's doing OK. I suspect there's a very long way to go.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2016/07/13/di-matteo-assesses-petrov
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We have confirmed we won't be offering him a playing contract but instead another role at the club
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Sadly no deal for Stan. Hopefully he will be retained by he club in some capacity. He's worked so hard so it's a shame.
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That's sad. I hope he gets the chance to do what he wants to do be it at Villa or somewhere else.
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Right decision if he isn't up to it. Get him in the coaching team immediately.
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I'm a bit gutted but realistically this was probably going to be the case. He may have been able to get to the required condition but I think perhaps apart from anything else, the current size of our squad means it was always going to be unlikely.
I would absolutely love to see Stan playing professionally again. I hope he considers it and keeps up his work in training. If he's lucky he'll be able to play L1 or 2. If playing is still very much in his mind, forget about us for a while. Go out and play somewhere, as long as it's a level that will challenge him enough to satisfy him. When he's done that for a year or two, then we welcome him back as a coach or whatever role we may have for him. There's no rush. Playing time is short for Stan at this juncture. If he can possibly play, he should play. And if the fates allow he can come and play for Wycombe Wanderers, then I can go see him playing.
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There's a massive liability issue so the club need to make a rational decision. It wouldn't have been easy at all to make that call, and I'm gutted for Stan. But this needs to be sensible.
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A real shame for Stan given how hard he's worked. I just hope now the club dont get slated by the more ignorant sections of the media for not offering him a deal. Has to be right for both parties.
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just amazing he tried
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With a nod of appreciation to PWS how about, whatever he decides to do, a round of applause on the 19th minute at the first home game of the season? If nothing else it will again focus attention for Stan's foundation.
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With a nod of appreciation to PWS how about, whatever he decides to do, a round of applause on the 19th minute at the first home game of the season? If nothing else it will again focus attention for Stan's foundation.
Loving the username. Reminds me of a predictive text I sent my brother saying I like Lemon Helm's Electric Skirt!
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A real shame for Stan given how hard he's worked. I just hope now the club dont get slated by the more ignorant sections of the media for not offering him a deal. Has to be right for both parties.
Sadly its already started. Getting battered for stabbing him the back and being a vile club with no morals.
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A real shame for Stan given how hard he's worked. I just hope now the club dont get slated by the more ignorant sections of the media for not offering him a deal. Has to be right for both parties.
Sadly its already started. Getting battered for stabbing him the back and being a vile club with no morals.
Who's saying that?
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The twitter brigade, including several of our own fans.
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I'm sure he gave it his best shot but Stan still looks a bit heavy. I hope he takes on the role offered. It shows me that RDM is ruthless and not worried about having to make unpopular decisions. Stan is a real hero and always will be, but there is no sentiment in football and harsh as it sounds, I think this is probably the right decision.
On another note, looks like Gil, Veretout and Sanchez all going, no Stan either, leaves us light in the centre of the park, particularly with Westwood still around. Need another signing in there.
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This was always going to be a very difficult situation, well done Stan and Villa.
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With a nod of appreciation to PWS how about, whatever he decides to do, a round of applause on the 19th minute at the first home game of the season? If nothing else it will again focus attention for Stan's foundation.
Loving the username. Reminds me of a predictive text I sent my brother saying I like Lemon Helm's Electric Skirt!
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The twitter brigade, including several of our own fans.
Well they're all morons. I'm pretty sure Stan wouldn't have wanted to be offered a contract unless he earned it on merit.
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I see what RDM meant now about players leaving and the fans being disappointed.
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Stan is the man, however sentiment when picking a squad or team has to go out the window, otherwise the likes of Hutton would be sitting on the top table at any hall of fame.
It was near impossible task for him in reality given his age, time out of the top game etc. Everyone wishes him the best and he will always be a folk hero no matter where and what he does in life.
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On another note, looks like Gil, Veretout and Sanchez all going, no Stan either, leaves us light in the centre of the park, particularly with Westwood still around. Need another signing in there.
Yeah I think this is the real issue. We may have a big squad but it is not really balanced. Its uncanny how we manage to always have a weak/lightweight midfield in recent years.
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The manager could not let sentiment influence his decision but I am disappointed for him all the same and I imagine Stan is gutted.
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The manager could not let sentiment influence his decision but I am disappointed for him all the same and I imagine Stan is gutted.
Agreed
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Would have been a nice story I suppose but if he's not up to it he's not up to it, and at the end of the day it'd be worse to give him a contract out of sentiment. We're a football club not a charity.
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From the Doc
I admired & appreciated what Petrov did. We'd also respect professional judgment.RDM&I hope Petrov will help the club in other better ways!
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The club could've offered Stan a basic contract for 6 months to see how things go with maybe an appearance linked clause. After all, look what N'Zogbia was earning - £60k-a-week for fuck all for 5 years. The wasters prevail.
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The club could've offered Stan a basic contract for 6 months to see how things go with maybe an appearance linked clause. After all, look what N'Zogbia was earning - £60k-a-week for fuck all for 5 years. The wasters prevail.
Yes, they could have done. But the manager and coaches looked at him in training and in friendly games and could see that he would not be in a condition to play at the required level.
He's a grown man, not a pet. Stan will go on to have all sorts of successes, but fortunately a short sympathy contract won't be part of that.
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I would have kept him as a benchwarmer, a wise old head to help protect leads in the last 15 minutes or so. But then, I haven't seen him play pre-season so can only go on opinions of people who have.
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Was always going to be very tough to go from playing Central Warwickshire Over 35s last season to Championship this.
He may look at a League 1 or League 2 club for a season.
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Disappointing, but it was always going to be a long shot. I certainly wouldn't have wanted him to be given a contract to be some sort of mascot, and I'm sure he would only have wanted to have been selected on merit.
It was great to see him in the shirt again and I hope he goes on to play for a year or so elsewhere.
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Was always going to be a tough call - not many outfield players still play in the upper echelons of football at 37 let alone someone who's gone through what Stan has. Hopefully the club will find him a role befitting his character - maybe club ambassador or even club captain, providing a better role model than that fat wastrel who was given the honour last season.
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I think this is a bad decision by RDM, surely he sees what a positive influence Stan is for the younger lads they respect him and even if he only gets 5 minutes of one game this season it would have been worth it. We need an experienced head in there, many of these lads have never been involved in a winning team and Stans experience would have been useful in the dressing room and on the pitch particularly in games where we needed to shut up shot or get back in a game late on. To be fair to Stan we've had far more talented players on long term contracts but what he gives you is a first rate attitude and desire to win both characteristics sadly lacking in our dressing room since he got ill.
I'm sad for him having come this far, they've crushed a mans dream, not only that but for other cancer patients who would see him playing and think well if he can achieve that then I can do similar. I'm sure he could go elsewhere maybe in the lower leagues and get a game but it wouldn't mean as much. Only Celtic giving him a trial would be a next best option. I hope the role they have offerred him is suitable and he stays but I don't think he will and for me personally I am always going to regret choosing the Telford game over Worcester City last week.
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I'm sad for him having come this far, they've crushed a mans dream, not only that but for other cancer patients who would see him playing and think well if he can achieve that then I can do similar.
I am also a little saddened by this, however it was always going to be a long shot and we can't play him just to give other cancer patients a dream. I doubt Stan would want that anyway.
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hopefully a testimonial against celtic will be arranged, with a full house so that we can all show our love and appreciation of stan the player and stan the man
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I would have loved to have seen Stan play a valuable role this season but you have to back the coaching team's judgment. They see him day-in-day-out, know what they're looking for, have all the data in the world to make the decision by and have made their decision. It shows how seriously they're taking things and that they don't have the fortune of being able to find room for sentimentality. For that reason I oddly find it re-assuring. I imagine Stan will be the first to understand the decision and now he has to decide whether to find another club or whether to retire and go into coaching.
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Firstly good luck to Stan and hope that his health is great for years to come ......
Having said that I am pleased the Club have not offered him a contract ........ firstly I honestly question if a 37 year old who has not played professional football for 4 years could succeed.
I want to remember Stan as the player he was and not someone who fans would soon turn on ...... I have sat in the Trinity Rd Middle for about last 15 years and I remember many times fans getting on his back
To me Stan made Villa tick and when he played well so did Villa ...poor game and Villa were poor
Thanks for what you have done Stan and hope whatever the role is that you accept it and are involved with Villa for years to come
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Does anyone know what role he has been offered at Villa by RDM?
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I think he'd make a good chauffeur, driving all the uselss pricks that need to be sold to their new destination. I'd trust Stan to deliver them and give them a slap as he leaves them.
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It's really disappointing that this story isn't going to have a Hollywood ending. I wonder if we could have given him more time. In truth, and I think this has largely remained unsaid, if you look at photos of Stan playing four years ago and compare them to recent pictures, he doesn't yet have the same lean build that had back then.
As well as he has done, this is a high standard of football and the coaching team will have thought long and hard about this because I am sure a lot of the other players are disappointed too. Maybe Stan just needed a bit more time when time wasn't on his side.
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Would have liked just a 12 month deal offered to Stan, with a bit of coaching thrown in too. That way he would be in and around the first team squad and also if we were short on payers he could be in the match day squad.
You see other teams do similar or keep experienced players who never really play, Leicester had Schwarzer last season and Southampton kept kelvin Davis (I know they are both goalkeepers) and neither played very much if at all, but they were there for the experience they could offer.
I always wondered why we let the likes of McGrath and Taylor go in the 90's when we could have kept them for another year or two as back up players who could help nurture the youngsters.
With Stan it feels like a total anti climax if he doesn't stay on in some capacity.
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It would have been nice but ultimately the aim is that we go up. If Stan can't assist on the playing side than so be it. Similarly, if he isn't qualified to do a job behind the scenes then I'd give him a thank-you and free season ticket and move on.
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To even try is a monumental achievement for him and an inspiration to others. Whatever happens next, he'll be OK
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It would have been nice but ultimately the aim is that we go up. If Stan can't assist on the playing side than so be it. Similarly, if he isn't qualified to do a job behind the scenes then I'd give him a thank-you and free season ticket and move on.
bang on
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My first thought was 'that's a shame for Stan'. I didn't give a thought to whether it impacted on us getting promoted or not but to some people, I suppose it does.
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Sad to see Stan has announced his retirement from playing, cannot believe no team has come in for him.
I hope he makes it as a manager.
All the best Stan.
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I'd love him back with us in some capacity. He really is the perfect ambassador for the club and embodies everything we are trying to achieve. He's a complete inspiration and is the very definition of leadership.
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I'd love him back with us in some capacity. He really is the perfect ambassador for the club and embodies everything we are trying to achieve. He's a complete inspiration and is the very definition of leadership.
As long as he doesn't bring Tonev with him ....
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I'd love him back with us in some capacity. He really is the perfect ambassador for the club and embodies everything we are trying to achieve. He's a complete inspiration and is the very definition of leadership.
As long as he doesn't bring Tonev with him ....
Good point - not as a scout.
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Stan's officially retired according to some reports.
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Stan's officially retired according to some reports.
Yeah, some reports higher up this page.
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Its a shame yes. I wonder if he had his hart set on playing for us again and when that didn't pan out if he decided his playing days were over. Or maybe he just thought health wise it wasn't worth it and was a good time to retire. I do see him making a good coach. Think if he started managing in league two or something then he could make his way up to decent level in the long run. Good luck to him. Stan will always have a special place in Villa fans harts.
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I reckon they looked at it but could not get him insured, and realised nowhere will be able to take the risk.
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Or just maybe at 34 and post illness he just wasn't up to it. I admire the club for giving him the chance and I admire Stan for giving it a go. My one hope is that the decision that was made was mutual and agreed from both sides.
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it is a shame and I am a bit saddened he did not play apart at the Cambridge friendly as I could of thanked him for all he had done at B6.
UTV Stan
The Doc
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Stan on Talksport all morning, unfortunately he's on Jim White's show.
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Haven't listened myself but apparently giving RDM both barrels on his treatment and cannot bear to watch us.....
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Sure talksport will put his views on the website later ..especially if they critical of RDM
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Jim White is a shockingly bad presenter. He just keeps saying the same things to Stan in a slightly different way.
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Stan you've got to let it go son, you've been lucky in as much as you've (hopefully) beaten it but don't start being bitter towards the club or any individual - be thankful for what you've had. Positivity and dignity has helped you through all this, don't throw it away now.
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Stan you've got to let it go son, you've been lucky in as much as you've (hopefully) beaten it but don't start being bitter towards the club or any individual - be thankful for what you've had. Positivity and dignity has helped you through all this, don't throw it away now.
That sounds ominous - what is he saying?
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Stan you've got to let it go son, you've been lucky in as much as you've (hopefully) beaten it but don't start being bitter towards the club or any individual - be thankful for what you've had. Positivity and dignity has helped you through all this, don't throw it away now.
That sounds ominous - what is he saying?
Nothing that bad really. Was more about how Villa didn't offer him a playing role, not telling him why ( thought that was obvious ) offered him a different role but he said he wants to end his career playing football.
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Stan you've got to let it go son, you've been lucky in as much as you've (hopefully) beaten it but don't start being bitter towards the club or any individual - be thankful for what you've had. Positivity and dignity has helped you through all this, don't throw it away now.
That sounds ominous - what is he saying?
Nothing that bad really. Was more about how Villa didn't offer him a playing role, not telling him why ( thought that was obvious ) offered him a different role but he said he wants to end his career playing football.
The sort of thing that only a truly bitter Nose, Stripey or Paul Franks could criticise us for then?
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Stan you've got to let it go son, you've been lucky in as much as you've (hopefully) beaten it but don't start being bitter towards the club or any individual - be thankful for what you've had. Positivity and dignity has helped you through all this, don't throw it away now.
That sounds ominous - what is he saying?
Nothing that bad really. Was more about how Villa didn't offer him a playing role, not telling him why ( thought that was obvious ) offered him a different role but he said he wants to end his career playing football.
The sort of thing that only a truly bitter Nose, Stripey or Paul Franks could criticise us for then?
Well listening now he's saying Villa took it away from him. Surprised he said that considering we gave him preseason but it was easy to see he was gone.
Now Danny Murphy going on about there isn't any sentiment in football anymore. Saying it's a no brainer that Villa should of kept him on ...
I disagree with you Daniel like I do most times you speak.
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I haven't heard it but it's a shame he has taken this view, the club have always been very supportive and if he thinks an organisation like Talksport gives a shit, other than getting content and headlines he's got a shock coming.
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I didn't hear it all but the bits I did listen to were no where near as critical as some are suggesting,
yes he wanted a contract and was a bit hurt when he didn't get it but he accepts this
at the end he said he will always support Villa, its the team in his heart, and he will continue to watch us, wished RDM and the new players all the best, said he hopes we can come straight back up but not if we carry on the way we started
I might have missed the bit where he was giving RDM both barells,
but he certainly hasn't 'taken that view' and still loves the Villa
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I can't believe someone of Petrov's intelligence and experience doesn't understand why he wasn't offered a playing deal. Absolutely shocked he can't see why in all honesty
I never thought for a second it'd happen, how the hell could it at his age and with how long he'd been out the game ?
He should be playing local level now and just enjoying himself after winning the biggest of all battles
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It sounded to me that he was convinced that he had worked hard enough and achieved the required level of fitness and ability to be offered something in a playing role.
He also said that he was getting positive vibes from the manager and fellow players regarding his performances.
It therefore came as a shock and he seems very upset and let down by the decision. Who wouldn't be?
He went on to say that he will be returning as a supporter as the club and its supporters are very special to him.
You have to take into consideration that this was on Talk Sport, with Jim White and Danny Murphy in the studio, so nobody is going to consider the view from the club or manager's side.
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He needs to move on with his life and not be so bitter
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if Danny Murphy had his way every player would have a contract until they were 65 on £100k per week
I remember listening to him when Gerrard was finishing at Liverpool he thought it was a disgrace that they were letting him go and he should have been kept even though his salary was £150k a week
He needs to remember that a football club is a business not a charity.
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Interview is on website now , now where near as critical as made out
http://talksport.com/football/exclusive-stiliyan-petrov-reveals-disappointment-aston-villa-contract-snub-it-wasnt
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Stiliyan Petrov explains why he's disappointed with Aston Villa
Aston Villa legend Stiliyan Petrov has expressed his disappointment at the club for his treatment during the summer.
Speaking to Sky Sports' show Goals on Sunday, the midfielder said that he was not given an explanation after failing to win a contract in the summer.
Petrov, who joined the the club in 2006, was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in 2012. He recovered from the cancer and returned to the club in July, heading out to Austria for pre-season training but wasn't offered a deal at the end of his trial.
He said: "I managed to do that. I thought then I'm on the right role, I'm getting closer, but they've told me that I won't get anything at the club as a player.
"They offered me a role as a coach in the youth system, I didn't want it. Not yet. I wanted to finish as a footballer. I didn't have a chance and I think I've lost my heart after that because I've put so much work in.
"I said before I was ready just to finish as a player. I didn't want a pay off, I didn't want to twist their hands about contracts or anything else. I just wanted to finish as a footballer because it was taken away from me.
Petrov added: "They didn't need to make that decision so early. They didn't give me a reason. If Di Matteo had turned round and said 'you know what, you're not good enough, you're not fit enough, you're too old', then I would have accepted it."
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Difficult one this.
I've always been one of his biggest supporters, even when he has come in for criticism during his playing days. However, there is no room for sentiment, and the task in the summer was to build a group to get promoted from this division. If RDM didn't think Stan had a role to play either on the pitch, or behind the scenes, then he wasn't obliged to offer him terms. It sounds like the reasons behind the decision weren't communicated to him very well.
Subsequent events haven't given me any faith though that RDM made the right call. I can't help thinking that having Stan around could have helped, especially given how many new faces there were.
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he was offered a role in the youth set up but didnt want it so am not sure want more he wants
fine that he wants to carry on playing but he isnt up to doing that with us
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he was offered a role in the youth set up but didnt want it so am not sure want more he wants
A reason for why he wasn't offered a contract and better communication.
Absolutely fair enough if RDM didn't feel he could offer us anything as a player, but it seems the decision could have been communicated better.
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Very disappointed in Stiliyan. Particularly given at the time he talked about "I just want to try out."
He could have walked over to RDM or a staff member and asked them why not if he had a question. The answer is obvious and was at the time.
Its not hard to figure out why the club didn't give a 37 year old who had not played for years a midfielder contract in the Championship. I am sure he knows exactly why. But if he doesn't - he was no where near good enough. Thats the fact of the matter. Sorry but if he wants the blunt truth there it is.
Whats the point in deciding to air this in the press? Stiliyan is the one who could have communicated better.
The club have treated him better than just about any ex player I can remember. I think these comments are particularly ungrateful in the context of everything the club & fans have done to support him.
Celtic, the club he preferred to have his farewell charity match at instead of Villa did not offer him a trial or a contract either. Why is he not upset at them?
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Totally agree and he is beginning to get right on my tits. The club do not owe Stiliyian Petrov a living and I'd like to think the club have been more than supportive. The fact he continues to air this story about not getting a contract does not sit well with me
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Totally agree and he is beginning to get right on my tits. The club do not owe Stiliyian Petrov a living and I'd like to think the club have been more than supportive. The fact he continues to air this story about not getting a contract does not sit well with me
Sadly, I agree. Stan's been an inspiration and the club deserve nothing bit praise for the way they've treated him. This sort of thing does him no good and gives ammunition to the feeble-brained to abuse us.
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Totally agree and he is beginning to get right on my tits. The club do not owe Stiliyian Petrov a living and I'd like to think the club have been more than supportive. The fact he continues to air this story about not getting a contract does not sit well with me
Sadly, I agree. Stan's been an inspiration and the club deseerve nothing bit praise for the way they've treated him. This sort of thing does him no good and gives ammunition to the feeble-brained to abuse us.
Couldn't agree more
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Totally agree and he is beginning to get right on my tits. The club do not owe Stiliyian Petrov a living and I'd like to think the club have been more than supportive. The fact he continues to air this story about not getting a contract does not sit well with me
Sadly, I agree. Stan's been an inspiration and the club deserve nothing bit praise for the way they've treated him. This sort of thing does him no good and gives ammunition to the feeble-brained to abuse us.
Absolutely agree.
Not to mention if the club were the bad boys there would have been a queue round the block to offer him trials / contracts.
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Or RDM didn't want him around?
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Maybe everyone could see it except Stan himself. It happens to us all in some capacity or another, that unassailable fact that we just aren't as good as we used to be. Give him time and he will come to realise this. He will always be that inspiration that gives people the courage to overcome adversities, and that more than anything, far outweighs anything he achieved playing football, IMO.
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He probably answered a straight question with a straight answer. He was understandably dissapointed after setting his heart on a come back. Whilst I agree with the comments above, it sounds like communication could have been handled better. Let's not make too much of this or let it sour feelings towards him too much.
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I did see the interview and it comes across worse in that post than it was on screen, he didn't make a statement but was asked a question and answered it. He said that he could have looked at other offer but regarded Villa as his club so wanted to finish as a player with us. A six month contract to see how things worked out would probably have been a decent solution.
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It's a shame he's gone public with this, even a rabid Villa hating, blue nose hating mate of mine complimented Villa on how they supported Stan and gave him the opportunity to have some sort of a role at the club. It was a great, heartwarming story when the news broke of him trying to earn a contract but sadly the reality was that it was highly unlikely after so long out of the game with such a serious illness and given his age. Surprised he turned down the coaching opportunity.
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I did see the interview and it comes across worse in that post than it was on screen, he didn't make a statement but was asked a question and answered it. He said that he could have looked at other offer but regarded Villa as his club so wanted to finish as a player with us. A six month contract to see how things worked out would probably have been a decent solution.
This.
The only thing that shocked me with Stan's interview on Sunday is his love for the club.
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Nice video from the club just now. Good to see Stan again.
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&ab_channel=AstonVillaFootballClub
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&ab_channel=AstonVillaFootballClub
Thanks Pete. Didn't trust myself to upload the video properly.